Your bucket list
Do you have a “bucket list?”
Several years ago, I watched a great movie called “The Bucket List.” I love this story. Its’ stars, Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman are two of my favorite actors. The Bucket List tells the journey of two men who crossed paths during an extended stay in the hospital while being treated for cancer. Nicholson plays a high-powered, ruthless, friendless old businessperson who owns the hospital. Freeman plays an ordinary mechanic who had exchanged his dream of being a history professor for the reality of raising a family. However, Freeman’s character was no common man.
One day Freeman starts writing a list on a yellow notepad. Nicholson notices and asks what he is doing. Freeman explained that an old philosophy professor had encouraged students to write a “Bucket List.” Before one “kicks the bucket,” a person develops a chart of activities and adventures they would like to complete before they “kick the bucket.”
The two men spend much time talking, and ultimately the two aged cancer fighters decided to fulfill their bucket lists in their few remaining months of life. Since Nicholson had unlimited funds, their travels were all first-class.
Concerning religious faith, the two men were at opposite ends of the spectrum. Throughout the story, Freeman’s character occasionally discussed his faith in God and how it shaped his life. Freeman’s character states, “I believe you measure yourself by those that measure themselves by you.” Nicholson was an ardent atheist and cold-hearted person, but slowly Freeman gets to him through their friendship and long discussions. Atheism can be very lonely, especially when you are staring death in the face.
The men set out on a global journey, accomplishing various items such as skydiving and skiing in the Himalayas. After a few months, Freeman knew that it was time to head home to his family. It wasn’t long until he passed.
Nicholson’s character spoke at Freemen’s funeral and poignantly stated, “The simplest thing is… I loved him. And I miss him. Carter and I saw the world together. Which is amazing… When you think that only three months ago, we were complete strangers! I hope that it doesn’t sound selfish of me but… the last months of his life were the best months of mine. He saved my life… And he knew it before I did.” Wow, what a testimony to a dying person’s life!
Nicholson was a changed man. The less-than-ideal billionaire father had been estranged from his daughter for many years. But the “new” man reunited with his daughter and granddaughter. We don’t know if Nicholson’s character came to faith in God, but we know that he was much further along a spiritual path because of Freeman. It seems that our lives are ultimately meaningful, not so much because of what we accomplish, but rather because of how we influence others along the way. I like the concept of a Bucket List and have used something similar for years. The wish list helps me not to lose sight of things I want to do and see. I do, however, suggest that you keep your list dynamic. Our desires morph and change as the year's pass.
Bucket Lists are usually about travel and “doing” things. However, there is something more important than doing. The most important consideration of our existence is “being.” Being is about a shortlist of values that define who we are. For instance, I want to “be” an authentic, growing follower of Jesus Christ. I want to be a great father and grandfather. I want to be a quality friend. I want to be a generous person. I want to think deeply. I want to be an encourager. I wanted to be a loving husband. We take who we are with us wherever we go.
I believe my relationship with God is the most critical, valuable, and helpful aspect of my being. My life is so much better because I know God through His Son, Jesus Christ. No matter what item on the list I am pursuing, I find more meaning because God is with me.
But I don’t want my relationship with God or my Bucket List pursuit to be simply about me. It has to be about drawing others to God and enhancing their life. My love for God also helps me love others. I want everyone to experience a good relationship with their Maker.
Bucket Lists are good. It’s fulfilling to check off items you always wanted to do or see. Value lists are even better. Cultivating healthy standards your entire life will leave a trail of appreciative people. Like Freeman’s character said, “I believe you measure yourself by those that measure themselves by you.” At the end of your life, your Bucket List will be a trail of changed lives and positive relationships.
Oh, I have one more important item on my list. I hope you have this one too. This item was on the Apostle Paul’s list as well. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV) Heaven is the best Bucket List entry of all.
Live Inspired!
Don Mark
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