The span of our lifetimes,when all is said and done, is in actuality very brief. From the moment we begin to speak our first words until the day we draw our final breath our debut on the center stage of life is spotlighted and our audience is great. The question of the hour, however, might be, “did we perform well?”
Everything we do, every word we speak, every motion, every genuflection, all of it is purposeful and matters. There are others watching us that are very quick to pick up on our mis-speaks or errors in the script. It may sound petty and unfair on our parts to be watched so closely and judged so quickly for our errors but it happens. It’s in reality the mistakes that shape us and mold us into what we should be. But “oh” how great the joy in our hearts when we get it right and receive a standing ovation.
I believe it is the desire of each person who’s life graces this stage, to live life well!
Will we make mistakes? Most assuredly. Will we fall on our faces? Very likely. Will we receive affirmation for jobs well done? Hopefully. But, when things don’t go exactly as we planned our question again must be, ”did I perform well?” ”Did I live my life well?”
You see, I believe we have a great audience, many others who are watching us, but in reality there is only one audience member who really matters. It says in Colossians 3:23 ”Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men”. When it comes down to applause we really only need to hear the applause of one and hear ”well done” spoken over us.
Just very recently we lost one of our beloved ex-presidents, President George H W Bush. Yes, he was just a man but I'm one who believes strongly in giving credit where credit is due. Among his lifes credits are these. . . President Bush lived a life devoted to his country and his family. He served in the Navy and fought in the Pacific during World War II. He was a member of Congress, ambassador to the UN, Vice President and eventually became President of the Unitef States. He, I'm sure, had many many mis-steps in his life but all in all I think he had a ”life lived well”. When his spotlight grew dim and faded I think it could have been said of him ”well done George, well done”.
In this life there are always plenty of criticisms and judgements about our actions but we must never ever forget or overlook jobs well done or lives well lived. God is the principle audience member that really matters but I think we should always be accountable for our judgements towards others. Do we tear others down, heckling and jeering at them or do we encourage and strive to highlight their good choices?
Any time there is a life well lived we need to notice! We should give honor where honor is due. If the only audience member that matters is applauding then why not emulate Him. How about climbing out of our comfort zones and stand and applaud people like former President Bush. When my spotlight grows dim and fades I pray that I have given an amazing performance but most of all I pray that I have been a ”life well lived”.
