As a child I thought life was a destination. My destination included going to college, getting married, having children, and driving a red BMW. I thought that once I arrived at the "destination" I would lean back, prop my feet up, smile and simply enjoy life! Man, was I wrong!
I'm sure you have learned by now that life is not a destination, but a journey. And you know what, I'm glad its not a destination. Think about it, how boring life would become if it was a "destination." The life we live is to be an awesome, exciting, up and down, melting pot of various experiences, relationships, educational ventures and emotions. Even Jesus taught us that when we dedicate our life to Him and allow Him to be LORD over us that then we will experience "...life, and... have it abundantly" (John 10:10).
Someone once said, “Life is not a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safely in a pretty well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly proclaiming ... WOW! What a ride!”
When you look at a grave marker you see the persons "begin" date and thier "end" date with a "dash" in between. Both dates are important. The "begin" date because of our beginning. The "end" date is important because no one really has an end date. Death is simply a door to either eternity with Christ or without Christ. And that is why, it's the "dash" in the middle that is Most Important! The dash in the middle is your life! How did you live the dash? What decisions did you make in the dash? Who's lives did you touch in the dash? What did you do with Jesus in the dash.
How are you living the "dash"? St. Augustine once said that everyone has a "God-shaped hole" in their heart and nothing, and no-one can ever fill that space. It is reserved only for God! My hope for you is that you invite Jesus Christ, God's Son, to fill that space in your heart. Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship. Religion will leave you empty, confused and frustrated. But a relationship with God through Christ will leave you at peace, fulfilled and full of joy!
Invite Christ into your heart. Live for Him in the "dash." Get into a strong, loving, Bible-preaching, praying church and surround yourself with other believers. Then, make the most of the "dash" you have by touching others, sharing the Good News of Jesus with those far from God and leaving a legacy that will long be remembered when someone walks up to your tombstone and examines your "dash."
