The Things I Am Not Going to Remember

I am not going to remember how tired I was when my son asked me to go out and play ball with him; I am not going to remember how busy I was when my daughter asked me to play dolls with her. I am going to remember the bond we built and the laughter we shared, the memories of a time that was too short and too precious, the young lives I had the honor to help mold, and the legacy I left for them.

I am not going to remember the sleepless nights and the hard next days of caring for my sick children; holding them in my arms while looking into their eyes, feeling completely helpless, praying and wishing I could take the pain in their stead. I am going to remember that my little ones had complete confidence that I could somehow make everything better, the trust in their eyes when they looked up at me, the love and the joy I felt in that God had chosen me to be their daddy.

I am not going to remember what I did not get done when my wife wanted to spend a night out with me. I am going to remember the life long journey we shared and the relationship we built. I am going to remember the laughter and the pain, the victories and defeats, the smiles and the tears that we experienced as we weathered life’s trials together.

I am not going to remember what she did that irritated me. I am going to remember how I felt when I made her laugh and how safe and secure I felt in her arms; that no matter where I was, if she was with me, that was home.

I am not going to remember the extra sleep I lost on Sunday morning. I am going to remember the relationship I built with my lord and savior, the connections I made with my brothers and sisters, the inspiration I felt, and the peace I achieved.

I am not going to remember the weekends I lost while donating my time. I am going to remember the small part I played in making a difference in people’s lives. I am going to remember the chance to spread the love that had been given so freely to me, the opportunity to embrace the forgotten, and to welcome the unwanted.

Invest your time in what matters most. Nobody ever asks for material objects to be brought to them while lying on their death bed. Life is about relationships. Your time is the most valuable asset you will ever own. Spend it wisely because our lives are filled with things that we are not going to remember.