What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
While riding our lawn mower, I usually have my EarPods on and jam to some worship music. It wouldn’t be a surprise if you rode by our home and saw one hand on the mower and one hand quickly rise to the sky. This morning, my EarPods weren’t charged adn so I had only my thoughts to keep me entertained…and that can be dangerous.
Glancing at the date, 9/28, memories came to the forefront of my mind as to what our family was doing two years ago. Although the occasion wasn’t pleasing at all, a few things were pleasing. I thought about all the friends and family who came together and embraced us in their own unique way. I am grateful for the family and friends who showed much love and comfort. Though that date was the end of one’s life on earth, the dash between their born and passing dates was a precious reminder as to how to live and love life.
The first time I heard the poem, The Dash, was at a National Junior Honor Society banquet. The inspirational speaker, my dear friend Tommy Warnock, mentioned The Dash and how the dash on one’s tombstone represents all the life lived between the dates of your birth and death. He elaborated on how to live your life and how meaningful and purposeful your life is.
THE DASH
the poem by Linda Ellis
I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning… to the end.
He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars… the house… the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard; are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that still can be rearranged.
To be less quick to anger and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile… remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash, would you be proud of the things they say about how you lived your dash?
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We invite you to share the poem. Please include this credit line: By Linda Ellis, Copyright © 2020 Inspire Kindness, thedashpoem.com
What about you? If the dash could talk, what would it say about how you lived your life?
I pray that you will take time to evaluate your life. Life? Maybe let’s focus on today. Some folks need to do like one of my dear friends say and, “take the next right step.” Maybe you need to give some forgiveness, show some love, share a smile, your time, or lend an ear. Choose to live a life full of joy, a life for Christ. Live a life that makes a positive difference in those around you.
The past is the past. God can and will forgive, redeem, and make you whole. Start today making your life matter for what truly matters…Jesus Christ.
You don’t even know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like smoke that appears for a little while, then vanishes. James 4:14 HCSB
Blessings to you and yours,
Stephanie
Capt. Wayne Shuff…Grandaddy…knew how to live…even in loud Hawaiian shorts.
