Living Your Best Life vs. This Life is Terminal
We're all going to die someday.
The following piece is AI-free. These words are my creation minus the mechanics of artificial intelligence.
Our daily existence is flooded with information on how to live your best life. Whether that looks like losing twenty pounds or starting your own business, you will find all the advice you could want online!
Have you noticed once you search for a topic in your browser or on social channels, you will see marketing ads for that exact topic for days? Here are the current ads taking up space in my feed.
Protein bars, natural supplements, essential oils—because a woman in my phase of life needs all the help she can get.
Cruise lines’ best deals—because we saved up for a year to take a cruise with our family this summer and posted pictures about it.
Products to help me get off caffeine—because I recently purchased a new coffee maker online (they think they know what we want, even when we’ve already bought it).
How to start a homestead, raise animals, and grow your own food—because I happen to follow a couple of people who have done this and posted about it. (FYI, I am NOT a homesteader.)
Like it or not, the ads claiming to improve our life are appealing. Listen, I am not saying it’s all bad. Personally, I am still struggling to get rid of the extra pounds the pandemic and c*vid left behind.
As a result, I continue searching for the next best way to accomplish my goals; to help me live my best life. Get the picture?
To be honest, that phrase live your best life bothers me—especially when I see Christians working overtime to achieve it and spending all their money in the process.
I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10.10b
Friend, you have it. You achieved the best life when you gave your life to Jesus. In John 10, I came that you may…have it abundantly are the very words of Jesus. Though we are residing in a broken world filled with sin, pain, and disappointment, life is abundant because of what He did for us.
In addition to learning about protein bars or homesteading, I also follow random social accounts recommended by friends and family.
One of those accounts belongs to a young mother who has a brain tumor.
Reading her posts sure brings a distinct perspective to the mindless scrolling on social media.
A professional in her field, this woman was busy running a thriving business while raising two young sons. She and her husband enjoyed traveling, spending time with family, and gathering with friends over dinner. Life was good.
Suddenly, the words you have a tumor in your brain changed everything.
As I have continued to follow this woman’s story, I’ve observed the impact she has on others. Though she survived invasive brain surgery, and her chosen course of treatment has contributed to a reduction of the tumor, life still feels like it is hanging in the balance.
Over the summer, her posts have included lake days and s’mores around the fire pit. “We’re taking advantage of every opportunity to treasure these days,” she says. The very next day, she shares a short video of herself crying in bed, in the middle of the day—because brain trauma is incredibly debilitating, and emotionally exhausting.
Despite the uncertainty of her future, which she is transparent in speaking about, she remains strong in her faith in the Lord. It is the foundation of her life. This young mom maintains that whatever happens tomorrow, God is still good, and life is good, because she has eternal life in Him.
Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. 1 John 5.12
This life as we know it is terminal, friend.
No matter how morbid it may sound, we’re all going to die someday. Where does this realization leave us? Scared out of our mind? Overcome with anxiety and uncertainty? Begging for more time with loved ones?
These human reactions are normal and expected. I am not suggesting we face tomorrow void of apprehension or sadness. These human emotions are from God, and He is so kind. In the event of death, He has even provided us with the ability to grieve losses.
Yes, this life is terminal, but if we know the Lord, we are already living our best life.
There will be seasons when it may not look like the best life. Others may see us, and wonder how we are making it through, right? There is only one explanation, in those tough times.
We know where our help comes from. We have hope. We have peace. Eternal life is ours in Jesus.
Thanks for this honest post. Love you.