Living for What Matters: Embracing Our Short Life with Eternal Purpose

Life is short! We all say it, but how many of us truly live like it? In Short Life: Living for What Matters During Our Few Days on Earth, author Michael Edward Nichols writes,

“We continue putting out of our minds the idea that we will die soon. Accepting the brevity of life and looking our upcoming deaths square in the face can teach us how to live a life of significance.”

That truth hits deep! We often shy away from thinking about death. But when we do—when we truly face the brevity of our time—it changes how we live. It shifts our focus from the temporary to the eternal!

A Faith That Grows Stronger Through Suffering

One man who embodies that message is Stan Vacek—a dear family friend and faithful brother in Christ. Stan has been battling lung cancer for years, yet his faith hasn’t faded. It’s grown stronger! Even through pain and exhaustion, he continues to serve others. He volunteers at Hope Thrift and Washington Street Mission, always finding ways to bless those in need.

Stan’s heart is huge! He’s constantly writing heartfelt messages on Facebook, encouraging people to go to church, grow in faith, and live for the Kingdom. His words have touched so many hearts that Dan Shryock even collected them into a book, “Giving and Serving - One Man's Journey of Generosity and Service.” It’s a living testimony of hope, perseverance, and purpose!

Living the Dash Well

Nichols’ idea of living in the dash couldn’t be better illustrated than in the way Stan lives his life. He’s taught our family what it looks like to fill your days with meaning—to use your time to build God’s Kingdom, encourage others, and live each moment for Jesus!

Stan has been a wise mentor to my husband and many of the men in our church. His steadfast faith shows us all that it’s not about how long you live—it’s about how you live while you’re here! As Nichols says,

“We aren’t afraid to go to sleep; we fall asleep fully confident that we will arise in the morning. We should face death the same way, confident that we will wake up to an eternal morning.”

That’s the kind of peace only Jesus can give!

The Hope of Eternal Morning

There’s a powerful section in Nichols’ book that captures the heart of what faith looks like in the midst of suffering:

Cancer is so limited!

It cannot cripple love.

It cannot shatter hope.

It cannot corrode faith.

It cannot destroy confidence.

It cannot kill friendship.

It cannot shut out memories.

It cannot silence courage.

It cannot invade the soul.

It cannot destroy peace.

It cannot quench the spirit.

It cannot lessen the power of the resurrection.

It cannot steal eternal life!

This truth echoes through Stan’s life. Cancer may have weakened his body, but it cannot touch his faith! His hope in Christ shines brighter than ever—a living example of what it means to endure with joy and eternal perspective.

Scripture Reflections

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” — Psalm 116:15

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” — Philippians 1:21

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” — 1 Corinthians 15:55

The Legacy of a Life Well-Lived

Stan’s life—and Nichols’ reminder of the dash—have inspired me to live more intentionally. Our time on Earth is a gift! Every moment is an opportunity to love deeply, serve faithfully, and share Jesus boldly. One day, we’ll trade these earthly days for eternal mornings. Until then, may we live our dash with purpose—redeemed, restored, and transformed by the One who gave His life for us!

Embracing Natural Solutions with Essential Oils

As we reflect on our lives and the legacy we want to leave, let’s not forget the power of natural solutions! Essential oils can play a significant role in our journey. They offer healing, comfort, and a way to connect with God’s creation. Imagine using these gifts to enhance your family’s well-being while also sharing the love of Jesus!

Essential oils can uplift your spirit and bring peace to your home. They’re a wonderful addition to your daily routine, helping you focus on what truly matters. So, let’s embrace these natural solutions together!

✨ Redeemed. Restored. Transformed. ✨

A testimony of life made new in Christ — The Brennan Chicks