Making the Most

Yesterday I received the news that someone close to a member of my family was just told that they have 12 hours left to live.

This morning I was reminded by my devotional to, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”  – Ephesians 5: 15-16

The sad news, plus this timely devotional reminder has me examining exactly how I am spending my time. I am now left pondering one simple question: am I making the most of this opportunity?

Am I prepared to make the most of this day…this full 24 hours?

What if I only had 12 hours?

So often we say things like, “there’s not enough hours in the day.” We say this because we’re frustrated that we can’t seem to fit in everything that we have to do, and everything that we want to do into those short 24 hours.

Something deep inside of me knows…that if I had less than a day left to do what I wanted to do and  say what I needed to say (I love you), I’d find a way to make it happen. But why don’t I live with that conviction every day?

The professor who changed my life signs his e-mails saying, “Make Today Count!” I’ve adopted this saying and conclude my e-mail messages the same; but today, and my prayer is that everyday, going forward it’s not just something I say, but something that I do.

So go on, make the most of today; but most importantly…

Make Today Count!

Expect More

When we raise the bar, one of two things will happen. Those we have asked to rise to those expectations will either embrace it and do what it takes to meet or exceed those expectations or they will unload their dump truck of excuses. Either way this will will cause a ripple effect throughout a sphere of influence.

My recommendation…raise the bar on yourself.

Expect more:

• Love
• Laughter
• Opportunities
• Discipline
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Gumption
• Competition
• Transparency
• Change

If we raise the bar on ourselves…when others come along and expect more out of our circles, we will have at least conditioned ourselves to rise the occasion. You won’t find yourself searching for excuses, you’ll be too busy trying to make it happen.