Whether or not a cat truly has nine lives, I know three people who really have lived three lifetimes:
- Stormie Omartian — Recording artist and songwriter, host of exercise and fitness videos, author of books about prayer.
- Sheila Walsh — UK recording and touring Christian musician, co-host of The 700 Club, author of books for adults and children and, as of this month her first fiction title.
- Brian Stiller — This one you may not know, but is the one I know personally: President of Youth For Christ Canada, Executive Director of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (our equivalent of the NAE), President of Tyndale University College and Seminary.
I’m sure I am also aware of others. And each one of these qualifies because they did what they did for a considerable length of time.
I started thinking about this today because of the release of Brian Stiller’s new book on leadership: You Never Know What You Have Till You Give It Away (Castle Quay Books). Brian’s decade-long commitment to each of the three aforementioned ministries was rich, lasting and significant.
So what are you accomplishing? Do you feel you’re making a contribution? The Bible tells us to “redeem the time.” Other translations say, “Make the most of every opportunity.” A writer in another generation put it this way:
Only one life, t’will soon be past.
Only what’s done for Christ will last.
I think you might be doing a dis-service to Stormie. She lived many more than 3.. and that was even before she started following Christ.
Comment by Tim — November 22, 2010 @ 10:37 pm
Well, yes; there’s that, too.
If you’re wondering what this is all about, check out the the 1997 Harvest House book, Stormie: A Story of Forgiveness and Healing.
Comment by paulthinkingoutloud — November 22, 2010 @ 11:33 pm
Well I wouldn’t call the first 22 years of my life a life of any sort so I’ll leave that one out.
I BEGAN living in June 1958 and I think I have lived several lives since then, though I normally express it as wearing many hats.
I retired from a VERY active role (up to 16 hours a day voluntary work and much travelling) in childrens ministry at the end of last year. I have been waiting this year to find out what my “new/next” life entails, but I am occupying while waiting for that wonderful day when the Lord will come.
Comment by meetingintheclouds — November 23, 2010 @ 1:44 am