One Week to Live? What's on Your Bucket List?  What would you do if you knew it was your last week to live? When I read this question, it stimulated my thoughts and imagination, and gave me new insights into Passion Week, and Easter. Jesus faced a really hard week! There was little celebration about events of Jesus' last seven days. It was a week of challenges and heartache. Perhaps fleeting thoughts of "what does it matter anyway?" Jesus the man spent hours of his last week on earth facing obstacles, grief, betrayal, and love, yet He chose to remain on the path set before Him. He remained true to God's plan, all the while knowing it was his last seven days.
I began to think about my life, and choices I might make if I knew there were only seven days left to live...
We chuckle about a bucket list, yet as Jesus faced limited days, He lived it with courage and faith. He didn't rush to generate things to please Himself, however He was part of memorable moments, and lasting discussions. He demonstrated intense prayer-for Himself, and for others.
 | | Anita Wood |
Life is full of demands, and changing schedules, and days rush by with little time to think or be still. You give yourself away, and support your husband who does this routinely. We seldom think much about the brevity of our life until illness threatens or one close to us dies.
Here is where my mind drifted as I thought of Easter week. Regardless of our age or health, our days are numbered. Do I live with purpose and intention recognizing no one can do it all, or have it all? I realized most people live with limitations of one sort or another.
Now, if I knew I had only one week to live, what would be #1 on my bucket list? Most of us would think of family. Does my family know the love and admiration I have for them? Do they understand why I live and serve in ministry? Have I clarified priorities to facilitate a life lived with purpose, and does my family know about these choices? Perhaps you think, "Of course they know all this!" But, I wonder and ask you: do they really???
Bucket list #2: Have I spent my life/ministry in making a difference? Don't be quick to respond. Perhaps think of how you do this. What valuable legacy are you investing in? My mentor/pastor years ago demonstrated one way of investing in eternal values when he helped pay for my daughter's braces. When I questioned him [since he had eight children of his own, and his own family expenses] he replied, "This is my way of investing in eternity." Today my daughter serves in ministry with a beautiful smile-representing eternal values.
Bucket list #3: So, who else cares anyway?
Few of us know the people we affect, or know who watches us and how they value our lives. Just recently, I received an email from a young man who was a child when my husband was pastor. He wrote how our ministry touched him and his family, and of how he serves God now. People don't always express their appreciation or high regard, but trust God to provide encouragement when you need it.
Ladies, there certainly are times when we wonder who cares, because ministry life can be hard. Please never disregard the investment you make by sharing your husband and your family.
Easter is gone for 2011, yet each of us face this week and the weeks to come! Follow Christ's example: make this coming week count! Create memorable moments. Express appreciation. Communicate your love and admiration. Find time to appreciate the ones you love who are so close by... it might make their week!
Most of all: don't allow a hard week to rob your joy.
Jesus lived through His last hard week, that very hard week-gaining our eternal victory. Check us out at Contagiousjoy Facebook and tell us about your bucket list.
Anita Onarecker Wood, speaker, author Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge
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