Living as if We're Dying

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

I am not half way through this book yet, and have found two lovely points being made.

Olivia asked her pastor what he thought she could do to make the remaining months of her life worth something.  They came to a consensus rather quickly.  Father Tim's final thought... "In the space of precisely seven minutes, which he reckoned to be the full length of her visit, he had been told a terrible truth, discovered the answer to prayer, helped someone find a ministry, and been unutterably refreshed in his own spirit.  Perhaps, he thought, we should all live as if we were dying."

...

Cynthia read aloud from a book of lectures by Oswald Chambers, " 'Faith by its very nature must be tried,' he says.  Do you agree?"
"Absolutely!" Tim replied.
"I've never been one for physical exercise," she said, "but what God does with our faith must be something like workouts.  He sees to it that our faith gets pushed and pulled, stretched, and pounded, taken to its limits so its limits can expand... if it doesn't get exercised," she said thoughtfully, "it becomes like a weak muscle that fails us when we need it."
"Would you agree that we must be willing to thank God for every trial of our faith, no matter how severe, for the greater strength it produces?"

...

In Colossians 4 and Ephesians 5 we are told to make the most of every opportunity.  In 1 Thessalonians 5 we are told to, "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 3:15 "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect."

1 Samuel 12:24 "But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you."

Mark 16:15 "Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone."

Do I live with a fervent desire to serve the Almighty?  Do I live as though I only have 6 months left?  My tomorrow is not guaranteed.  I want to live for him wholeheartedly.  I want to share Jesus with those around me.  Lord, help my will to align with yours.  Keep me heavenly minded.  May my hands be yours.  Use me in ways I can not fathom, Father.  Glory be to Your Name.