If you only had a year…

If your doctor told you today that you only had one year to live, how would you spend it? I heard a guy ask that question on the radio today, and it startled me into thinking about it…

Here’s what I’d do:

I’d speak truthfully even if it ruffled people’s feathers. The truth really does set people free, even if it offends them at first. And the truth spoken in love is what has helped ME most in life.

I’d be kinder to everyone. Even to people I don’t like very much. Sometimes the people with the gruffest manners and the toughest exteriors have the tenderest and most hurting hearts and need the most love, even though they’d never admit it in a million years.

I’d give away things that would help others – books that have good messages, magazines that inspire and uplift, articles that might infuse hope into someone’s heart.

I’d write a love letter to each of my kids and grandkids telling them they mean the world to me and that I believe in them.

I’d cheer up people who are sad or lonely or frightened or lost. Many times in my own life, someone’s kind word or deed has helped me hang on for one more second and has kept me from giving up or giving in to some awful temptation.

I’d brush my cats more and pet my dog more.

I’d take Jean Bruner to lunch every chance I get and pick up the tab! (I owe that girl LOTS of lunches!)

I’d pray more and worry less.

I’d eat whatever I most enjoy of what’s available and be grateful for every bite!

I wouldn’t waste a second being angry with anyone. Everybody’s doing the best they can. People who hurt others are hurting themselves, too. They don’t need my anger. They need my prayers and good example. God says: “Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.” And His mercies are new every morning. The spectacular, freshly-painted sunsets each evening and the glorious new sunrises each morning remind me of the importance and permanence of these important laws of living.

I’d make sure I’ve forgiven everyone for everything, especially the people who have hurt me the most. No sense in dragging a suitcase of cement with me into eternity! (I remember from past experience how unforgiveness feels and it was such a relief to finally forgive!)

I’d spend more time holding my husband’s hand and telling him how much he means to me.

I’d take more time for 1-on-1 visits with friends and family members.

I’d drink more tea and less coffee. Tea helps me feel more calm and reminds me of my mother.

I’d try to do a secret kind deed every day to someone who could never repay me.

I’d ask God for direction and help, and I’d expect it, use it and be grateful for it.

I’d plan my own “celebration of life” and invite all my friends and family over on day 364 to eat, drink, laugh, sing and share stories and to tell them that it wouldn’t be too long before we’d all be together again.

On day 365, I’d fly home to heaven, content that the God Who got me safely here on the day of my birth will also get me safely back to Him on the day of my death, and will take care of any details that I forgot to handle while on planet earth. I’m so grateful that Jesus has graciously paid my ticket to heaven!

Well, dear friends, I think I’ll stop writing this and go hold my husband’s hand and tell him how much he means to me. Goodnight and God bless you.

(Paddy Burrow lives in Silverlake, Washington, with her husband, Rick and their two cats, Pumpkin and Patches, and their new dog, Gigi. She welcomes reader comments and can be reached at 360-274-5231. To comment on this article online, please visit valleybugler.com and click on Columns)