We All Die Sooner Than We Think...
We All Die Sooner Than We Think...
Each morning, when I wake up, I spend the first few minutes resting—taking time with God before the day speeds up and takes over. This morning, as I prayed, I asked God to continue showing me the path forward. I want my calendar and my efforts to truly move the needle in this short life. Then, I asked a question I had never asked before:
"God, how long will my life last? Will you show me?"
What I heard in response was profound:
"Everyone dies sooner than they think."
Wow. Ain’t that the truth?
We see this reality hit hardest when someone young or talented passes away unexpectedly. The phrase we hear over and over is that they were “taken too soon.” But as I thought more about it, I realized this doesn’t just apply to the young—it applies to all of us.
I thought about the older generations aging out of the business world, those just beginning retirement, and those who have been retired for some time. Even now, they don’t feel that their time is up. I know many who still have goals, a purpose, and things they want to accomplish.
I also thought about my 96-year-old grandmother. Even at her age, she still has purpose. She prays daily for each of her 100+ descendants and dedicates time to remembering every birthday. If today were her last, she would surely feel it was too soon.
Death and business don’t often intersect—unless we’re talking about bankruptcy courts or technology rendering old ways obsolete. But today, I want to challenge us the way I was challenged.
What percentage of our time do we spend planning and preparing as if we will always be here?
I can confess that for most of my career, my pursuits have been centered on goals that contribute to success in this temporary world—as if earthly accumulation and effort would provide ultimate security.
But what percentage of my time have I spent planning and preparing with the mindset that I could leave this life at any moment?
Very little. Though I’m becoming more aware, I know this perspective still needs to grow.
A hundred years from now, the odds of our businesses still existing are slim. The reality is that most people on earth will barely remember your greatest triumphs or challenges. Any wealth you accumulate or pass down will likely be spent, forgotten, or inflated away.
So, what will remain?
What carries into eternity.
The people you invested in.
The generosity that changed lives.
The influence you had for Jesus through your work.
The conversations that made others reflect on their ultimate future.
Most of us work to provide a tangible service or product in this temporary world. Our work is what keeps the world moving. But from time to time, it’s essential to step back and refocus. How can we use what’s in front of us today to influence not just tomorrow, but eternity?
We all die sooner than we think—so let’s remember where we’re heading before it’s too late.
-Mark
