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Is Your Life A Mad Dash?

How do you know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog--it's here a little while, then it's gone. (James 4:14)

The Dash - written by Linda Ellis

I read of a pastor who stood to speak
At the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth,
And spoke of the second 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 she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that dash is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters most is how we live,
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long & hard,
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know what time is left.
You could be at "dash, mid-range."

If we could just slow down enough,
To see what's true & real.
And always try to understand
The way that others 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,
Keeping in mind this special dash
Might last but a little while.

So when your eulogy's being read,
Your life's actions to rehash,
Would you smile at the things being said
About how you spent your dash?

copyright 1996 by Linda Ellis (http://www.lindaslyrics.com/)

Questions:

  1. How do you feel about your 'dash' so far?
  2. What is one way you can start living in wiser and more loving ways?
  3. Is the pastor going to have to lie at your funeral? Why or why not?