I recently heard a speaker who asked this very pointed question. He unapologetically stated that an inconsequential life is one that doesn’t make a difference. And one that doesn’t make a difference is wasted; and “A life that is wasted on earth is a tragedy.”
Wow! Those are strong words and they may even feel a little harsh. But aren’t they very possibly true?
I lost a crown yesterday and had to go see my dentist. He is 78 and is still top notch. As we discussed our ages and our careers, I asked him the standard question – “So, how long are you going to keep doing this?” He responded with a non-answer answer, saying that he was remaining flexible and would have to determine when was the right time. I then questioned, “Then what will you do with your time?” He looked at me, eyes wide and said “Right?” as though I understood something others weren’t getting.
You see, God has numbered our days – for each of us. We frequently talk about “living each day as though it were our last.” Some would respond to that statement saying that they want to be on a beach or laying in a hammock, relaxing with a cold drink. But I’m not sure my dentist would agree with that. I think he would more likely say that he would like to have just fixed somebody’s broken crown – because he loves making a difference. He loves living a consequential life.
Please don’t think I’m saying you should stay in your career until you are 78 – or that you shouldn’t. I just want to stimulate your thinking as to how you can live a consequential life, whatever that looks like, making a difference until your final breath. Food for thought.