Are you outliving your life?

When we awoke the morn of our daughter surgery, I wanted a book to read. I am not an avid reader by any means-(besides home school books and my bible) I wanted something easy and interesting. We have plenty on our bookshelf and many more packed in boxes awaiting our move. I happened upon "Outlive your life" by Max Lucado. I love Max. I love the way he writes-it's so personable and real!

  I was already nervous about the whole day-just the scariness of your two year old daughter having any procedure done is nerve racking! But God....(isn't that a GREAT thing to know) But GOD, in all of his glory showed up....We had a whole pre op session with the doctor, nurses and anesthesia doctors. They ask before they took her back if I had any questions-I said "Can we pray together" and with an overwhelming response "We'd love to".
  We stood praying over our baby girl and anyone who came in contact with her that all would go well. They took her back...crying a little, but then knocked out by the time she turned the hallway.
We took our trip to the surgery waiting area and I cracked open this book....I couldn't put it down! It took my breath away!
Then, my hubby was looking at quotes for his class (which he loves to do) and he found this one

"Is what you are living for today, worth Christ dying for?"

Oh man, it hit home. Everyday, I sit, with my beautiful children and teach them the word (bible), science, math, language arts, etc and I am responsible for what they carry out into the world. Oh, what a wonderful thing! But, just knowing your in the will of God is simply not enough! Am I sharing my freedom in Jesus with others? Am I letting them know exactly all that He delivered me from? Am I sharing my Jesus so that they can Outlive their lives?

What do I mean by "Outlive your life"-well, in this book, it starts out talking about a "ship captain who is sailing the world and he stopping on all these different islands. The first few islands, he sees nothing but sadness, poverty, simple, needy people. Then, he steps onto the last and largest island. The people are healthy and well fed. Irrigation systems nourish fields, and roads connect villages. The children have bright eyes and strong bodies. The captain asks the chief for an explanation. How has this island moved so far ahead of the others?

 The chief, gives a quick response "Father Benjamin". The captain asks to see him. They guide the captain over to a medical clinic, but no Father Benjamin. They then guide him to a Fishery. The captain is impressed. but no Father Benjamin. "Where is Father Benjamin?" the captain asks. "Please take me where he lives."

"Lets go up to the mountain" the chief says. They lead the captain up a steep, narrow path. After many twists and turns the path deposits them in front of a grass roofed chapel. The voice of the chief is soft and earnest. "He has taught us about God". He escorts the captain inside and shows him the altar, a large wooden cross, several rows of benches and a bible.

"Is this where Father Benjamin lives?" asks the captain

The men nod and smile

"May I talk with him?"

Their faces grow suddenly serious. "Oh, that would be impossible."

"Why?"

"He died many years ago."

The bewildered captain stares at the men."I asked to see him, and you showed me a clinic, some fish farms, and this chapel. You said nothing of his death"

                  "You didn't ask about his death," the chief explains. "You asked to see where he lives.

We showed you."

 (Max Lucado "Outlive your Life")

Wow! Wasn't that powerful! Is what I am doing on a daily basis gonna be looked at in the years to come and have value? I believe in my situation, it will. I am daily pouring God's children with HIS word. But I do have to  admit, I don't always do it right or share what I am so blessed to know with others. So, that is now, something I have to change. Will you join me? Please write a comment on something you want others to know when you have died.....What will "Outlive your life" look like for you?

Con'd tomorrow......