THE WORDS TO A SONG often grip us for a time. It seems to grab and hold our attention whenever we hear it, be it on the radio at the shops, or when we take refuge and relax to it in a quiet moment. It takes us to another world, not quite as harsh or real as ‘reality.’ I find one particular song takes me there. In fact, it takes me to a special place where I’m not only in bliss but I’m also reflecting on life’s rawest truth—death; and looking back at how I’d lived my life from, “the other side.” “When it’s all been said and done...” The song goes:
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“When it’s all been said and done, There’s just one thing that matters, Did I do my best to live for truth, Did I live my life for You?
“When it’s all been said and done, There’s just one thing that matters, Did I do my best to live for truth, Did I live my life for You?
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And, the part of the song that completes it all is:
And, the part of the song that completes it all is:
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You’re my life when life is gone.”
You’re my life when life is gone.”
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It states the fact that once we’re dead, in a sense we’re absolutely subject to God’s “recall”—pulled ‘out of service’ permanently, having been ‘recalled’ back to Him. When life’s gone, what else is there? How will it end for you? Do you ever think about it? It’s not morbid to occasionally think about it—like most things, just don’t obsess about it! Everything in moderation is the term used. Reflecting on our death helps us remain grateful... and we can learn a lot from reflecting on life’s finality.
It states the fact that once we’re dead, in a sense we’re absolutely subject to God’s “recall”—pulled ‘out of service’ permanently, having been ‘recalled’ back to Him. When life’s gone, what else is there? How will it end for you? Do you ever think about it? It’s not morbid to occasionally think about it—like most things, just don’t obsess about it! Everything in moderation is the term used. Reflecting on our death helps us remain grateful... and we can learn a lot from reflecting on life’s finality.
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From the perspective of our death we can gain so much appreciation of what our life means; it puts it in a different light altogether. It can help us re-configure and re-shape our definition of success. It can clarify and reinforce our roles in life and the balance we may or may not have in those roles. It brings truth to bear. For truth is often veiled and too abstract and doesn’t appear real; what we find enjoyable is often dripping in lies, yet the real pleasures in life are shrouded in a veneer of unattractive plain hard work and discipline. We get so deceived. It’s almost too hard to “do the right thing,” yet the secret is actually available to us, though many of us give up way too early to ever find it.
From the perspective of our death we can gain so much appreciation of what our life means; it puts it in a different light altogether. It can help us re-configure and re-shape our definition of success. It can clarify and reinforce our roles in life and the balance we may or may not have in those roles. It brings truth to bear. For truth is often veiled and too abstract and doesn’t appear real; what we find enjoyable is often dripping in lies, yet the real pleasures in life are shrouded in a veneer of unattractive plain hard work and discipline. We get so deceived. It’s almost too hard to “do the right thing,” yet the secret is actually available to us, though many of us give up way too early to ever find it.
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Take family for example. How often does the job and career take precedence? We know deep down that we’re making the wrong choice but we go with the thing that ‘feels good.’ We like that feeling don’t we? That feeling of present gratification. Yet, it’s so self-defeating, empty and lifeless. You enslave yourself to your career and what rewards lay waiting? Very rarely are they anything close to being worth it, the rewards that is. Taking the ‘low road’ however, the one of family first means sacrifice, and takes courage, especially when saying no to your boss—it’s so counter cultural. There are two powerful reasons that make it ‘too hard’ just there!
Take family for example. How often does the job and career take precedence? We know deep down that we’re making the wrong choice but we go with the thing that ‘feels good.’ We like that feeling don’t we? That feeling of present gratification. Yet, it’s so self-defeating, empty and lifeless. You enslave yourself to your career and what rewards lay waiting? Very rarely are they anything close to being worth it, the rewards that is. Taking the ‘low road’ however, the one of family first means sacrifice, and takes courage, especially when saying no to your boss—it’s so counter cultural. There are two powerful reasons that make it ‘too hard’ just there!
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Success: we look for it and when we don’t find it, we are bemused, confused and sometimes angry. How could we get it so wrong? We need to regularly analyse and re-define our ideas of success, through reflection and meditation (which is simply deep thinking). Who is setting the “success” mark for you? Is it you, your spouse, and your kids, or is it others?
Success: we look for it and when we don’t find it, we are bemused, confused and sometimes angry. How could we get it so wrong? We need to regularly analyse and re-define our ideas of success, through reflection and meditation (which is simply deep thinking). Who is setting the “success” mark for you? Is it you, your spouse, and your kids, or is it others?
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Don’t let others set the ‘success’ mark for you, especially those who don’t love you. Search for your own mark and make sure it makes sense over the longer term. You should make sure that it links to a legacy, so your life stood for more than a ‘good contribution to the company’ when you’re dead. Legacies are left on lives, those of your family, your friends, and those you’ve made a positive impact on; and those you’ve mentored and been a model for. Each day of life is very precious.
Don’t let others set the ‘success’ mark for you, especially those who don’t love you. Search for your own mark and make sure it makes sense over the longer term. You should make sure that it links to a legacy, so your life stood for more than a ‘good contribution to the company’ when you’re dead. Legacies are left on lives, those of your family, your friends, and those you’ve made a positive impact on; and those you’ve mentored and been a model for. Each day of life is very precious.
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On death or at our funeral, how is it that we want our loved ones to remember us? A life well-lived is a noble and lofty goal but can you translate that into action that can and should be credited now? Don’t delay.
On death or at our funeral, how is it that we want our loved ones to remember us? A life well-lived is a noble and lofty goal but can you translate that into action that can and should be credited now? Don’t delay.
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Keeping life simple requires focus and discipline, both stemming from diligence, which takes courage, following from faith, that comes from trust, which is wisdom, that demonstrates balance, and the effect is shalom—a wholesome peace beyond any other overall positive feeling either natural or supernatural. And you can’t get this without being spiritual.
Keeping life simple requires focus and discipline, both stemming from diligence, which takes courage, following from faith, that comes from trust, which is wisdom, that demonstrates balance, and the effect is shalom—a wholesome peace beyond any other overall positive feeling either natural or supernatural. And you can’t get this without being spiritual.
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How badly do you want it? How much effort are you going to put in at hitting your life targets? You won’t be around here forever. When it’s all been said and done, there’s just one thing that matters. Did you do your best to live for truth? Someone will be asking that question.
How badly do you want it? How much effort are you going to put in at hitting your life targets? You won’t be around here forever. When it’s all been said and done, there’s just one thing that matters. Did you do your best to live for truth? Someone will be asking that question.
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© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
© Steve J. Wickham, 2008. All rights reserved Worldwide.
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Song by Robin Mark with words and music to “When it’s all been said and done” by Jim Cowan.
Song by Robin Mark with words and music to “When it’s all been said and done” by Jim Cowan.
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