Imagine the last time you looked forward to something. Was it Christmas? Or maybe summer vacation? Perhaps it was that day when you finally would get that car you wanted forever. For me, it’s the day that my boyfriend will come home from New York City. I haven’t seen him in 107 days. The day has finally arrived and I will get to see my sweetheart tonight!
It hasn’t been an easy four months. I’ve had moments where I couldn’t imagine ever seeing him again; I’ve had days where my heart was nearly bursting with excitement to see him. But all the while, through every up and down, I looked forward to today. I prepared myself for it. I could hardly wait for it.
And today has come. In less than twelve hours, I’ll get to embrace my sweetheart!! When I woke up, I spent extra time in front of my mirror—fixing my hair the way he loves it, and putting on his favorite perfume. During breakfast, I closed my eyes and hoped that when I opened them, the day would be over. All day long, I’ve been preparing myself to see him. I’ve been rejoicing in the fact that today was the last day I’d have to wait. After today, the wait is over; he’ll be close and I’ll be the happiest girl alive.
Today, I had test after test after test—it was the day before break and teachers piled on the work. And it wasn’t fun work, it was hard, time-consuming, and stressful. I was also confronted with some rough situations at home. But all the while, in the back of my head, I was thinking, when I get all this done, I’ll get to see him! I just have to finish today strong, and then I’ll se my boy! Bring it on, life! You can’t stop me from being excited. Throw whatever you want at me! Just try and upset me.
If every day would be as awesome as today is, I’d be living a good life. If I could have the strength I do today, I would never have doubt again. I know that my waiting, my bad days, my tests, my hard work, all of it will be paid off the moment I see him.
Then it dawned on me, this is what God means when He says to live our lives like it’s our last day!
In eager anticipation of seeing Him, looking forward to the moment we will be swept up in our Father’s arms and smothered by His embrace.
We complain about all tests and trials and burdens of life; we go through wondering when it will ever end, but we forget that there’s a countdown.
We forget that this, our life, is the last countdown. It’s the last day. And today, all our heartaches, all our trials, all of our burdens… they can all be washed away in the promise that soon we will see our Savior, our one True Love.
Today could be the last day before I see my Love. I can hardly imagine! But I will work hard to get everything done, so when I do see Him, I’ll be free to spend time with Him. Tests won’t stop me. When I fall down, I’ll pick myself up and continue running. Each and every moment brings me closer to the day I’ll be embraced by my Father, my Love, my God. That trumps someone yelling at me. That trumps the emotions of despair and discouragement. That trumps the constant tests.
This Christmas season is all about anticipating and preparing. But are we truly preparing? How are you living your last day? I know I forget sometimes, but when I remember, the joy consumes me and erases any worries I may have.
What’s stopping you from living your last day? Think about it.
