I ran across the quote today from Oscar Wilde that stated “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”  This made me reflect on Pillar 4 and how living a life that is enjoyable and has purpose and meaning  makes so much difference in anyone’s life. Many people today don’t ever fully live their life.  They become so wrapped up that they forget to take the opportunity to get out and enjoy their own lives.  They don’t take time from work or away from everyday routines that it becomes more and more difficult to truly live.  These people, as Oscar Wilde said, merely exist.  They sit in their own complacency, grumblings, and frustrations in life.  This effects their relationships with family and friends, their work, and their faith as well.

Now what does it mean to live and not merely exist?  Living can be so many different things.  It could getting be betting out and experiencing new things.  Getting actively involved in things that you enjoy and have meaning to you around your community. Taking vacations with your family and getting away from the normal grind.  Take risks in starting a new business.  There are so many things that apply to living and this is such a small example.  The biggest thing is that no matter what you do, it is important that those things have a sense of purpose to you and something that you enjoy doing.

Living our lives to the fullest is something that is mentioned by so many.  God’s Word mentions the joys of living where it is stated “So I recommend having fun, because their is nothing better for people in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some of the happiness along with all the hard work that God gives them under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 8:15).  We are also told “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days” (Ephesians 5:15-16).  It is important that throughout our entire lives we take the time actually enjoy life and do things that we enjoy and love and has purpose to us.  We have been granted a tremendous blessing of life and it is so short. Wasting this opportunity can leave you with tremendous regrets.

I was at an event where John Maxwell was speaking a couple of years back and he express that we have to take responsibility for our own happiness.  If you have bologna in your life, it’s because you make it.  This was a very powerful message.  At the time, I myself was in a state of confusion and uncertainty of my own direction.  What he said was very true, we have to take responsibility for our own happiness.  You get out of life what you make of it.

Earl Nightingale mentioned that one of the biggest issues people have is that they conform, people acting like everyone else, without know why or where they are going.  This also speaks truths because it shows us that we cannot lump through life like others. Get out and do things that bring joy to your life.  This will help you build success in the other pillars of life and help you to fully come alive.

So my message today is to live.  Don’t just exist, conform, and get along…Live!!!  Make the most of everyday God blesses you with here on earth.  The sky’s the limit.  You are only limited in life by how much you limit yourself.