I have attended two funerals thus far this year — one for a man named Mike and one for a woman named Carole.  The services were more a celebration of their lives rather than a somber, mournful dirge.  These two people lived long, productive lives.  More importantly, they lived lives of faithfulness to God, and each had a servant’s heart for those in need.  Of course, there was sorrow and grief over their loss, but also a sense of joy for two lives that had lived and finished well.

In my younger days, attending funerals reflected more of a “don’t-want-to, but have-to” kind of attitude.  No one enjoys a funeral, but attending is the right thing to do.  As I have matured, I have grown to appreciate these moments  that provide closure to families. One’s attendance honors the deceased and provides comfort to the surviving family.  It also calls to mind, at least for those of us who profess faith in Christ, the words of St. Paul, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)

It is also a sobering reminder that life is short. As someone living in my eighth decade, I am keenly aware that there are many more years behind me than ahead of me. In other words, my clock is ticking. Oh, it’s always been ticking; it’s just louder now.

A golf instructor once said, “Life is too short not to play with the best golf balls.” He favored the Titleist Pro-V1. Today, my wife and I ate lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant. As we ordered a Speedy Gonzalez lunch item, I told her, “Life is too short not to order the cheese dip.” And so we did.

Let’s be honest; often, we use the “Life is too short…” mantra as an excuse to eat, drink, and be merry. As Christians, however, we have the hope described by St. Paul above and are realistic about life and death. Psalm 90:12 urges us “to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” Death is not the end. And to number our days is to seek a heart of wisdom. In that spirit, I have pondered more appropriate answers to the “Life is too short…” philosophy. What wisdom might we gain in contemplation of our earthly mortality? Here are a few nuggets to consider.

Life is too Short

Life is too short, so be kind.

Life is too short to hold grudges.

Life is too short to make stupid decisions because you think life is too short.

Life is too short not to have an attitude of gratitude.

Life is too short not to make memories that you will always cherish.

Life is too short to lie, cheat or steal.  Be a person of integrity.

Life is too short not to enjoy simple pleasures.

Life is too short to live without God.

Life is too short to not experience the grace of God.

Life is too short to live in fear.

Life is too short to spend it pursuing things that don’t last.

Life is too short to succeed at things that don’t really matter.

Life is too short to spend time working for recognition, rather than doing work worthy of recognition.

Life is too short to be ambitious, pursue significance.

Life is too short not to know the difference between success and fame. Success is Mother Teresa. Fame is Beyonce.

Life is too short not to spend time in prayer…daily.

Life is too short not to read good books.

Life is too short to lose the things that money can’t buy.

Life is too short not to have a heart of mercy.

Life is too short to follow your heart.  Follow Him who knows your heart better than you do.

Life is too short to stop learning.  You are always a student.

Life is too short not to have friends.

Life is too short not to live a life in service to a purpose greater than oneself.

Life is too short that when it comes time to die…make sure all you’ve got to do is die.

What else would you add, other than cheese dip and Titleist golf balls?