In 2004, country music star Tim McGraw released a song entitled “Live Like You Were Dying” that went on to become a mega hit. The premise of the song revolves around a 40-year-old man who was recently informed that he has a very short time to live. When the reality of the moment sets in, he asks himself “Man, what do you do”?
Initially he decides on a few fun activities like sky diving, mountain climbing and even riding a mechanical bull named Fu Man Chu. However, in the ensuing verses and for the remainder of the song, he begins to fully examine his life and consider the things that are of most importance.
Listed below are the areas of his life that he chooses to focus on and address. You will note that they are very practical and make life more rewarding. I have listed a scripture next to each that I hope you will take the time to read.
“He Loved Deeper” 1Pet 4:8
“He Spoke Sweeter” Prov 16:24
“He Gave Forgiveness He Had Been Denying” Eph 4:31-32
“He Became the Husband He Hadn’t Always Been” Eph 5:25,28
“He Became A Friend That A Friend Would Like to Have” Prov 17:17
“He Finally Read The Good Book” Acts 17:11
“He Took A Good Long Look” 2 Cor 13:15
He ends the song with the realization that “Tomorrow is a Gift” and that we should all “Get to live like you were Dying”. As we contemplate the words and emotion of the song, it’s a reminder to us that tomorrow is the first day of the rest of our lives and that every day is a gift.
So………….
What are you going to do with it?
What are you going to do with it?
What are you ……..
-Richard Dostie