The doctor called it transient global amnesia. I called it the day I lost a day.
It’s been almost six years since amnesia briefly swept through my brain. (It occurred just after exercising at the YMCA, and I truly believe it was God’s way of telling me never to do another burpee.)
I wrote a short post about it a few years ago, and I wrote a longer, more thoughtful reflection on it in Getting My Ducks in a Row and Other Stories of Faith.
The life-changing take-away for me? Life is good and life is short. Let’s not miss a moment of it.
There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t remember that day. Or to say it a bit more accurately, there’s not a week that goes by that I don’t remember that I don’t remember that day.
A few mornings ago, I read these words from Mark Batterson’s book Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More:
You are here for such a time as this.
You are here for such a place as this.
It’s time to live that way.
Those words brought me right back to that day that I lost. And they challenged me. Energized me. Moved me to do a check-in with myself to make sure I’m really “living that way.” The reset felt good.
Scoot your chair in close and hear these words, my friend …
God created you because He loves you. He has you in this place, at this time, for a good reason. He gave you skills and talents that are uniquely yours. No one else can be you. And when you don’t show up, the rest of us miss out on what God wants to give us through you. YOU are here for such a time as this. YOU are here for such a place as this. It’s time to live that way.
Sometimes we need the inspiration and soft nudge that can come from hearing this reminder.
And sometimes we need a kick in the butt. (I’m right, right?)
So here you go.
Would you allow me to be the voice in your head that reminds you how important your life is? How valuable you are to God and those around you? Since we each may need a different style of encouragement, I’ll remind you in two different voices … both of them very sincere.
Voice #1:
Imagine this is said in the quiet, sweet, southern drawl voice of your friend who’s drinking tea in the cozy chair next to you …
Hey, sweet friend. I’m so glad you’re in the world right now. Your gifts help me. Your spirit brings me joy. We’re all going to be better off because we know you. I’m glad you’re showing up today. You make a difference.
Voice #2:
Imagine this is said in the strong, no-nonsense voice of your Scandinavian grandmother who’s been up since 4 a.m. and needs help snapping green beans …
- Time to get at it. You know what to do and how to do it. Work’s not going to get done on its own. We’ve each gotta’ do our share. Get out there and get the job done. Now get movin’.
Choose whichever voice is going to encourage you to show up.
You are here for such a time as this.
You are here for such a place as this.
It’s time to live that way.
OK, sweet thing. We need your gifts and your spirit. Now get out there and get the job done!
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