There is a host of stories and comments on the internet that talk about what people would do different if they had life to do over again. A simple search will reveal people would spend more time with friends, develop deeper relationships, watch the sunset, be in the moment, enjoy life. There is a great book I read a few years ago called "Chasing Daylight: How My Forthcoming Death Transformed My Life." The book reveals Eugene O’kelly’s bought with an aggressive and malignant brain tumor and how he approached life daily after he received the news.
“Before the diagnosis, my last thought every night before falling asleep usually concerned something that was to happen one month to six months later. After the diagnosis, my last thought before falling asleep was...the next day.”
O’Kell’s book was published posthumously and as you read it you get the overwhelming sense of the importance of living each day for today.
Author Maria Edgeworth says, “If we take care of the moments, the years will take care of themselves." I like the feeling of that statement and I think O’Kelly would echo the thought.
With that in mind how do we live today? How do we take care of the daily moments so the years will take care of themselves? After giving a lot of thought to this I came up with 5 things my kids need to hear every day. I put them in a simple acrostic to help each of us remember the power of DAILY words in the lives of our kids.
Do Your Best
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT.
Always Be Thankful
“Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 CEV
I Love You
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Love God & Others
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” Matthew 22:37, 39 NLT
You Can Do It
“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 GW
Questions:
1. Is there a certain word or phrase you tell your kids every day?
2. What is it?