We don’t like to discuss death in our family. It’s a certain taboo that doesn’t get much airtime. Death, the finality of it, is jarring, emotional, and leaves a huge void for those still living. Grief, pain, and loss are all experienced when a loved one dies and these emotions are never easily gone through.
However, if we knew when we would die then we’d have no choice to alter our behavior, decisions that we made, and experiences we would have. Life would have a renewed sense of purpose and desire. That’s why we have things like a “bucket list”, a list of things to do before we “kick the bucket”. This post is a little bit like a bucket list.
While not necessarily exhaustive (I think that there could easily be dozens of things I would want to do before I die), there are five things I would want to do before I pass away.
Leave a legacy to my family
The thought of what one leaves behind after they pass should scare us just a tad, if not outright change our behavior entirely. For me, I’d want to be able to say that I’ve left a legacy to my children and my wife and my extended family. This includes a strong moral backing, a devotion to Christ, and the financial resources to be set up for success in their lives. I would want them to know that I deeply loved them and cared for them in all the ways I could.
Travel the world
I’m no world traveller, but I have been to Romania for mission trips. I’d like to extend my travel to include Italy where I would take in great opera productions and life. I’d love to visit Moscow, Tibet, London, Paris, Hong Kong. The great cities that are the stuff of dreams.
Write a book
Maybe I would have enough material to write a biography or a book on business that would revolutionize the industry, or provide countless readers more confidence and faith to reach their goals and think differently in their industry. The impact I could have on thousands of people would certainly be legacy worthy.
Speak at conferences
Close to writing a book, I’d love to speak at conferences to share what I’ve learned, inspire people to greatness, and give them the confidence to do what they feel most called to do. Traveling around the country to speak to people and getting paid to do so looks really good right now!
Know that I have impacted the lives of many
When I know that my life on earth is over, I would want it to be said of me that I was genuine, caring, and wanted the best for people and from them too. I’d want to know that when I spoke to people or when people spoke to me I made them feel like they were the only person in the room. That I was fully present with them and could give the best of me and inspire them to be their best.
Conclusion
If I were to die, I’d want to know that I left a legacy to my family, travelled the world, written a book, spoke at conferences around the country, and know that I’ve impacted the lives of many.
Now it’s your turn. What would be on your “bucket list”? Let us know in the comments below.
