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Last Chance

 


This morning I was running on the treadmill with an empty treadmill right beside me. This is nothing out of the ordinary since I intentionally plan my workouts at times when the gym is not busy. However, this time that empty treadmill meant much more than just a slow time at the gym.

About three weeks ago I was on the same treadmill as I was this morning, and my friend J was on the treadmill beside me. I was cooling down from my workout and just able to catch my breath enough to chat with J for a while. We shared a couple of laughs, talked about some struggles, and then went our separate ways. How was I to know that would be the last time I would ever see him?

Three nights ago, I received a text that J had passed away earlier that evening. J is a big, strong guy in his mid-40s, and his passing came as a complete shock. I sat on the couch in stunned silence as I digested the tragic news.

This morning, the sight of that empty treadmill hit me hard. J will never walk beside me again, and that day three weeks ago was my last opportunity to make a positive impact on his life. Did I make his day better? Did I leave him encouraged after our conversation? Was I a blessing to him?

I will never again be able to encourage J, but I will have – God willing – many chances to bless others and be a light in their lives if I will only take the opportunity to do so. It often does not even take a lot of effort, just intentionality and an awareness of those moments where I can make an impact.

When it comes to being a blessing in someone else’s life, we never know when our next opportunity might be our last chance.

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