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If you were born before 1950, chances are you remember houses without hot piped water, indoor showers, or a flushable toilet. If you were born in the late 70’s, you most likely remember not having a microwave in your house. Born before the early 90’s? You probably remember when we didn’t have the internet in our homes. Most houses in America did not have internet before 2001. Let’s not even talk about when most folks got their first cell phone or their household had more than one vehicle. How about how the tv had four or less channels, no remote, rabbit ears for reception, or an outdoor antenna you had to manually turn. TV signed off late at night and had nothing but static until morning. Yeah. You’re getting old too, huh?

It is crazy to think how even 30 years ago life was so much simpler. These days we are more technologically advanced and have so many “conveniences”, and yet we are more rushed than ever, poorer than ever, more stressed than ever, and less engaged with our neighbors and communities than ever. It’s our own fault. We are never satisfied and always want more. We are not living our dash well. This is a phrase that has gained popularity through the years. In 1996, Linda Ellis wrote a poem entitled, “The Dash”, where she tells how what matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash. On every grave marker is a date of birth, and date of death with a dash between the two. This is when you start and when you end. The dash is all you fill your life with between these two dates. What are you doing with your dash? When an elderly group was asked about regrets the responses weren’t: “I wish I worked more.” “I wish I were more busy.” “I wish I bought more stuff.” Nope. Folks say: “I wish I hadn’t wasted time waiting for that perfect job.” “I wish I visited more.” “I wish I had saved.” “I wish I lived for Jesus harder.” “I wish I could go back and try again.” How about you? What are you doing with your dash? What if instead of wanting more and working for more, we lived simpler? Get rid of satellite or cable and go antenna. You don’t need that new car. Your old clothes still cover and work fine. Get a dumb phone. Consolidate your spending. Volunteer at the ballpark. Cook at home. Spend time with family. Live like there’s no tomorrow. “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:17).” #bethegood

 

Rev. J. Cameron Bailey is pastor of Kenbridge Christian Church. He can be reached at jamescameronbailey@gmail.com