Aim to Live Wide, Not Long
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Jesus said, ‘I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’ ”
I received the title of this devotion from an interesting article by Karen Nimmo, where she addresses how to live a meaningful life. Karen Nimmo, a clinical psychologist, wrote an article entitled “7 Traits of Chronically Happy People. Here’s How to Join Them,” which speaks to living a consequential life. Nimmo does not explicitly address the Christian community, but her thoughts spark numerous Biblical examples.
While Moses and King David died of natural causes after long lives, other Biblical figures died from brutality or other causes. David’s dear friend Jonathan was killed in battle as a young man. Samson appeared invincible, but his poor judgment and war with the Philistines brought him to the grave. Stephen was stoned to death as a martyr. Several Apostles died for their faith, and Jesus died too young on the cross. Yet, each one lived wide lives.
I define a wide life as one that touches many lives. Some people live small, narrow lives, making a small imprint on the world. God often gives people of faith special blessings and responsibilities to live wide. We cannot control the length of our lives, but we can live wide. Living wide does not require financial wealth, but does require a wealth of ideas, planning, and trust in God’s guidance.
Today, take a moment to reflect on the width of your life prayerfully. Church participation alone adds to the width of your spiritual footprint. Next, consider your family, friendships, work, and other activities, and how you uniquely cared for each. What opportunities has God provided for you to live meaningfully? The act of reflection will leave you feeling grateful for God’s guidance and whole in the memories of special moments when your footprints are deep and wide.
