"You're Writing Your Future History"

    Earlier today a dear friend shared the wise words of Pastor/Teacher, Louie Giglio.  In the words from Pastor Louie he reminded us to not "chase the lure."  He pointed out that the enemy won't walk through the front door of our lives announcing "I'm here to destroy you."  He won't give us a glimpse of the damage that is done by poor choices or the destruction that inevitably comes to pass.  At first, choices we make may "seem" like good ones and choices made SEEM to offer solutions... relief ... hope.... a way out...comfort... companionship.  But, what really are the consequences of decisions made in haste? Decisions made without wisdom or discernment?  Oh, friend - those consequence are promises that don't come true and checks that can't be cashed. 

    Each of us has the need and desire to be accepted, found worthy, feel satisfaction and feel satisfied and to have joy and happiness in our  lives.  All too often - if we're not careful - the choices we're making - and even ones we're not - are bringing everything BUT what we need and desire.  Instead of acceptance and worth - we are discarded and left alone.  Instead of satisfaction and peace - we have turmoil and confusion.  Instead of joy and happiness we are left in complete and utter dispair, oftentimes chewing on the words "Is this all there is?"

    This evening at the Shine Women's Meet Up, our teacher, Erin, shared a poem that I have heard before but was blessed to hear again tonight.  It is an amazing reminder that the years in between the day we're born and the day we die are important and in this poem, they are referred to as "The Dash" (by Linda Ellis): 

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend

He referred to the dates on the tombstone

From the beginning...to the end

He noted that first came the date of birth

And spoke the following date with tears,

But he said what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years

For that dash represents all the time

That they spent alive on earth.

And now only those who loved them

Know what that little line is worth

For it matters not, how much we own,

The cars...the house...the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard.

Are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left

That can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough

To consider what's true and real

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger

And show appreciation more

And love the people in our lives

Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering this special dash

Might only last a little while

So, when your eulogy is being read

With your life's actions to rehash...

Would you be proud of the things they say

About how you spent YOUR dash? 

    Oh, beloved - we are, each of us, "writing our future history."  While we may, in the moment, think that "our small, momentary decisions may be of no consequence, we are penciling in our future - the part we have to look back on and regret - or not regret."  Every decision we make is a decision in "the Dash."  Decisions that build up or tear down.  Decisions that lead to regrets or rejoicing.  How will you --- how ARE you "spending" your dash?  

WGL, A2