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As I write this in March of 2006, I am 47 years old. I can remember being so concerned about who "liked" me in high school some 30 years ago. Well I don't see anyone from my high school days now. What seemed so important in 1976, is not even a clear memory now. ... but try telling that to love struck high school students now.

At 47, and happily married,I am no longer concerned about who "likes" me. At 47, in thirty years I could be standing before God at the throne of judgement. I wonder what in my life now will be but an unclear memory then. This life is indeed brief, even though it is hard to grasp how really insignificant some things really are by the way we build our who lives about things, that in the light of eternity (not to mention 30 years from now), will really not matter.

My friend Trynette challenged me last not to write out five things that I would want to say in my last sermon ... my last breath on this side of heaven. I was surprised by how quickly 5 things came to mind: 1) God is real; 2) Jesus loves you; 3) Love like it matters; 4) We all have a purpose and a gift, keep working your gift; and 5) Keep preachin' sista!

In the light of eternity, this life I live is but a brief moment; but I want every moment to count towards the building of the things that really matter.

How about you, what would you say in your last sermon? Or if you are not a preacher, what would you tell others in your last breath?

Don't wait until you are about to die ...