As I write this, I am preparing to conduct the funeral service of a young
man much too young to have a funeral.
As a minister, you do these things, but you never quite get used to them.
However, life being what it is, these things do happen.
Although this point might not be obvious, a funeral brings home the oft-repeated message, “Life is too short.”
Life is too short for resentment. At some point in life, we were all wronged, slighted, rebuffed, rejected, and/or screwed.
Ultimately, we can either get over it or get on with it. Life is too short to stew in those juices.
Life is too short for pettiness. All but saints are immune from the temptation to let disagreements spiral down into personal bickering.
The rest of us will just have to catch ourselves with the statement, “Life is too short.”
Life is too short for worry. Most of the things we worry about never come to pass despite our worry sessions.
Most of our worry is just wasted mental energy that translates
into stress and all manner of undesirable consequences.
The next time you catch yourself temporarily gripped with worry, do something constructive to change your state of mind.
Life is too short anyway. Worry will only make it shorter.
Life is too short for little thinking. We can arrange our lives so that we play safe, avoid risk, and minimize exertion.
All we have to do is think small and keep thinking that way.
And since one small thought attracts another, we will hardly realize that life is too short and the world is too big to think small.
Resolve as many times as necessary to waste as few heartbeats as possible on such destructive matters.
We are only here for so long, so enjoy your stay.
Life is too short to do otherwise.
About the Author
Copyright 2004 by Tony Papajohn. Tony writes and speaks on success. Subscribe to his free SuccessMotivator e-zine at http://www.successmotivator.com.