MAKING A BUCKET LIST

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing
 fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

A recent movie called “The Bucket List” is a story about two old men who make a list of all of the things they want to do before they die or as they would say “kick the bucket”. Although I haven’t seen the movie, the premise made me stop and think about what’s on my list and if I even have a list. Actually, we all have a list. Whatever is on your calendar today is a reflection of what you want to do before you die. How’s that for a wakeup call? Take a few minutes, look at your calendar and ask yourself how many things on it are “bucket list” items. If you are like me you can rationalize a few of the items because they are after all related to what you do in life, but are you living like today could be your last day? What if you “kicked the bucket” today? Would you be satisfied with how you spent your last year, your last month, or even your last week? What about everything you did during the last twenty-four hours? Well, I think you get the point. Every day is an opportunity to participate in something of worth; something that is on your “bucket list”. Here are a few suggestions you might consider as you make your list.
 
Built to last - “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work.” 1 Cor. 3:10-13.  Whatever we do in life needs to be built on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ if it is to last. Our “work” will be tested by “fire” to determine its quality. When we start with the right foundation, use the right materials and apply our skills like master craftsman our efforts will last. Isn’t that the desire of your heart, to pour your life into something that has meaning and significance? Stop and consider what you are doing with your life. I am not saying that you need to change your profession or job. I am saying that you need to examine how you are using your time, talents and treasure to make a difference in this world. A carpenter and a truck driver can change their world for Christ just as much or more than a preacher or a missionary. It’s all a matter of focus.
 
Undeniably you- “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”  2 Timothy 1:6. Paul was encouraging Timothy to use his spiritual gifts in the job he was performing. We all have unique abilities and talents. Whatever we do in life needs to have our “stamp” on it. It needs to be a product of our giftedness given by God versus a copy of what someone else wants us to do. When we find that “calling” nothing else matters. We will work without pay if we find that “something” we enjoy and find meaning in more than anything else.   
 
Carefully planned - “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Prov. 15:22. When we are trying to accomplish something that is bigger than ourselves we need advice. Certainly God needs to be our primary source of inspiration and preparation. Proverbs 19:21 tells us that, “Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails.” We can plan with or without God but His purpose will win out every time. Through careful planning and preparation we are able to execute something that will last by using our special gifts and talents. But where do these “advisers” come from? I’m glad you asked.
 
Kindred souls - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24. Kindred souls are those people in your life who want the best for you. They are willing to do what is necessary to “spur” you on “toward love and good deeds.” As you look at your “bucket list” certain people will come to your mind that you need to share your list with so they can encourage you to accomplish that which is greater than yourself. They can give you that “boost or boot” when you need it and these are people who you trust to tell you the truth versus what you might want to hear.
 
Excellent choices - “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8. Examine your “bucket list” several times to see if you have made “excellent” choices. As God hones our minds and spirits there are certain items that are “more” excellent than others. Be sure your list is filled with the things worthy of your life’s work. You can’t do everything, so concentrate your efforts on the best for your life. From time to time your list may expand or contract as God opens new doors of opportunity and closes others. Remember, a “bucket list” is not a checklist to be hastily completed, but more of a reasoned guide for your journey in life.
 
Touched by God - “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6. If God has guided your hand as you have built your list, He will be faithful to help you “carry it on to completion”. God’s touch is no small “thing”, it’s “everything”! Let’s see, He created the universe, He sent His son Jesus to die in our place, and He wants to be a part of every aspect of our life. I would have to say, “Who could stand against you?” The answer is no one but ourselves; we are often the biggest obstacle to our success.
 
Take whatever time is necessary this week to create your “bucket list” using the guidelines I have shared with you today or by creating your own. The important point of the whole process is to determine how God would have you live your life. Thanks for taking the time to “check your pulse” with us today and may God fill your “bucket list” with wonderful things.