Birthdays make me turn a little nostalgic and tend to make me look inward. I guess that is probably typical for most people. As you move past the teenage years (smile) it is only natural to realize that earthly time is getting shorter and shorter.
One of the sayings that circulates the internet occasionally and is the inspiration for many tattoos is the emphasis on the “time between the dash”. Simply put – this is the time between your birth year and your death year. That dash that appears on memorial markers and in obituaries.
So how do YOU feel about your own time between the dash?
I was in a meeting last week with a group of highly accomplished people. When I say accomplished I guess I mean that from my seat I saw their time between the dash as being quite impactful. And their lives are still having quite an impact as I type these words. They are not done yet. In fact, some of them have really just started on new areas of impact and purpose which is pretty exciting. It made me reflect upon my own contributions to society.
I came home and told Chris how amazing this group was and how excited I was to be a small part of them. In our sharing time I told them I was a cheerleader. I may not always have the most innovative or new ideas but I will give you 110% when it comes to encouragement and support. Of course Chris reminded me to not belittle my own accomplishments over the years as I sometimes tend to do. He’s a good egg, isn’ t he?
So here I am, another year in the books, looking forward to this coming year of challenges and adventures. I am adding to my dash this year and wonder what that looks like. I want to make every day count. I want to be the best version of myself that I can be. I want to be what God created me to be.
What does that look like? Beats me. But I know that wherever it leads me there will be adventures and I hope that each of you will be coming along via the blog with me for the ride. Thanks, as always, for being so faithful in your support of reading and commenting even when I don’t respond right away. I do read each and every comment and appreciate each of you.
10 Comments
Leave a commentHappy birthday and A happy year ahead.
I never thought about this idea and thank you for giving me a new idea.
Being your friend and neighbor I see you being very involved in life and admire you for your kind heart and active involvement.
I want to learn more from you and be more reflective. I
Wishing your joy!
The first time hubby and I heard about the ‘dash’ was at a funeral a couple of years ago. It really made an impact on us.
Happy Birthday! Much to ponder here…
I’m sure that you are a positive and loving force in the world. You give your heart and love to us through this blog and you radiate the same love and caring in you daily life.
But we don’t really know how God views the dash do we? Thanks for a great post!
I think the key to considering the dash is not to compare ourselves to others. Each one of us has a purpose intended by God. And while it seems some folks’ “dashes” look very impressive compared to our own, who is to say that our contribution to this world, no matter how great or small, is any less important?
So interesting to read and think about. I don’t think I’ve ever really heard about this saying but I won’t forget about it now.
You just introduced me to a new concept, “between the dash.” I think we just each need to figure out our gifts and then use them. Titles and accomplishments hold no sway over me in terms of how I view myself.
We all need to reflect on our between the dash. God isn’t done with us yet.
The dash really makes me think. No one knows how long their dash is and needs to do be best they can every day. I am afraid I fall short of that. You are truly a blessing to so many people., never doubt that.
You are incredibly supportive and I believe that is part of your dash. I like how you look at life as an adventure, as it is. Wishing you all the best for a fabulous year ahead.
(forcibly suppresses a gush of puns on the words “dash, dashes, dashing” because I’m sure you already thought of them and suppressed them)