-Carpe Diem-

I don’t claim to know Latin. I only know a few phrases but one is definitely my favorite: “Carpe Diem” or ‘Seize the Day.” Some translate it literally as ‘grab’ or ‘enjoy, the most use of” the day. Either way, it’s the same principle. We need to grab hold & make the best use of the days we are given!

It gained recognition to our world from a poem by Horace. Again, I’m no scholar either, but a line from the poem says, "Seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the future." Basically, sound advice, since we have no idea what tomorrow may hold. It’s not particularly fatalistic thinking, just reality.

In that thought, the oldest woman in the US died the other day. Mary Josephine Ray was almost 115 when she passed. She was actually the second oldest in the world! I know very little about her, except that her dad died when she was a little girl & her Mom died when she was just 15. She had to go into the world & make it on her own. And, for some odd reason, she loved the Boston Red Sox! Nobody said she was really wise, just old. (Just kidding) Man, can you just imagine all she saw in over a century & a decade? She had to ‘seize the day’ early in what would prove to be a long life.

The psalmist, David, summed up this idea of a short life that matters. He said to God, "You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to You; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:5NLT

So, since we are here a short time on this spinning globe, what are we supposed to do with this life we are given? Good question. I’m glad you asked! No one else on the planet is like you! No one shares your exact genetic code or even your fingerprints for that matter. God has gifted you with talents & gifts that the world needs. What are you doing with them? You may say, “I don’t even know what they are!” If that’s the case, why not ask your Creator? He doesn’t make mistakes & He has a plan for you. Just find out what that is & get to it.

I don’t have to tell you the world around you needs a little help. You may not change the world single-handedly, but you can make a dent in your little corner of it. Don’t say, “I’m gonna have a good time & one day when I’m old I’ll try to do something of significance.” The Apostle James speaks to that stupid thought:

"How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone"
James 4:14 NLT

So, back to the question: What are you here for? God has a lot invested in you & great plans in store. First step is finding that out. Get in His word & honestly ask for answers. Second, don’t give up when it’s hard. No one said life was easy, but it’s worth the struggle. When you’re on your way to being what He’s called you to be I think you’ll find, at least a side effect will be you’ll make a difference in the lives of those around you.

Even if you’re ‘starting over’ in life, it’s never too late to make a difference. Grandma Moses was almost 80 before she made her first artwork. Danny Aiellos, & Rodney Dangerfield were in their 40’s before they began their acting/comedic careers. Colonel Sanders was in his 60’s before staring his KFC franchise. Kurt Warner entered the NFL at 28 (OLD for football) before becoming a great Christian athlete, leading teams garnering 2 MVP’s & a Superbowl championship. Randy Johnson was 25 before he hit major league baseball & 30 before he made a name. Ronald Reagan was 55 before elected as CA governor & still the oldest man to become president. The list goes on. Don’t give up.
Carpe Diem!

Of course, I believe all this hinges on your asking God for His plan for your life. The first thing, naturally, being you follow Him as you ‘Seize the Day!’

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