A Life Well Lived

This month brings a special theme to focus on.  We have so much to be thankful for as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our beautiful country.  

For many of us, we have members of our family who served in the military in various ways.  My grandfather fought in World War II.  My Dad was drafted into the Vietnam War and served in high positions at the Pentagon.  My father-in-law was in the Army, my other grandfather and three of my uncles were in the Navy- with one sustaining injuries that he learned to live with …and he lived well.  I have wonderful friends, children of friends, former bosses, and coworkers who have willingly joined different aspects of the military, with some having also fought for us. 

There is something about knowing someone close to you who has served our country.  No matter the capacity or role, hearing their stories- or what they can share about their experiences- is humbling and inspiring.  To know that their sacrifice, along with so many others, allows my family and me to live in this great nation gives me reasons to be so thankful. 

The amazing freedoms that we all have today- because of these wonderful men and women, as well as, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice- provide for us more than we can ever imagine.  

John 15:13 KJV

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

These are humans who no doubt have a life well lived.  

There are other ways for us to do this, friend.  We can pray for our country and leaders. 

Titus 3:1 NIV

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good,

Another thing we can do is lift each other up in prayer.  Yes, we can bear one another’s burdens, dear Reader.  We can be there for one another.  

Galatians 6:2 KJV

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

What kind of life would you say you are living right now?  You and I cannot change what was, however- we can start anew.  In this moment, if we need to- we can choose to do better.   Maybe reach out to someone you know you should have reached out to a while back.  What if you clear up any issues between you and a friend or family member that has been weighing on you?  Should it be possible for you to get an opportunity to talk with an estranged relationship- may it be you do so.  

I’ve been told that I am “deep.”  I suppose I am, considering that pausing and pondering a life well lived is something I find myself doing.  When someone passes, we as humans collectively come to our own conclusions of what determines a life well lived.  We can even disagree on some points over certain humans and their behaviors or levels of impact in each of our lives.  Yet, it is our amazing God who gives the final answer for each one of us.  Those who have gone before us and we who will one day take our final breath will experience eternity- known to God.  

Friend, should you want to know more about Jesus and receive Him as your personal Savior- I welcome you to stop by my Invitation and Prayer page.  I hope you do.  

I am available to pray with you. Please reach out to me at thumanburgin@gmail.com with your comments or prayer requests.  

If you would prefer to complete and submit a Prayer Request form, please visit my Prayer Request page. 

A life well lived- may we live with the Lord, our family, friends, and even foes as best as we can.  I pray we offer our kindness, effort, trust, and love as humans to each other.  First, though, may we give our all to God.  

Thank you to all who served our country.  Gratitude is extended to your family, too.  My prayer is that we will continue to be a beacon for the world as a nation.  Additionally, may Jesus be the light through us for those in our world. 

I close with encouragement to each one who stops by this reading today- may a life well lived be the sentiment of you when your work here on earth is complete.  Even more, on that day, may you hear those welcoming words from Jesus Himself, “WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!” 

(Reference Matthew 25:23)

A Life Well Lived …let it be, I pray.  Oh, friend- pause and receive this promise- Jesus loves you so!