Have You Written Your Epitaph Yet?

In his book Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance, Bob Buford writes that it is in the power of every person to pen his own epitaph. No one can know with absolute certainty when death will call his name. Death, like taxes, is an inevitable event in the life of a person and, depending on your perspective of post-mortem occurrences, may or may not be your last moments of existence. Fortunately, however, because God has gifted every human with a free will, each person can live the life of his choosing, in accordance with his wishes, desires, diligence, and skills.

Essentially, an epitaph is the short inscription written upon the tombstone of a deceased person. It expresses something about the one who lies in the grave, whether the person accomplished tremendous acts of benevolence or sacrificed his life for the betterment of others or abided by an unwavering life philosophy.

Examples will suffice to illustrate the importance of a carefully chosen epitaph. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr.'s epitaph declares, "Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty I'm free at last." Another epitaph on a tombstone for an unidentified person who lies in Thurmont, Maryland, simply reads, "Here lies an Athiest. All dressed up and no place to go."

So, what will your epitaph say? Will your life be characterized by selfishness, materialism, greed, and pride? Or will it be representative of a person who served to benefit others, who had an eternal aim with his transient journey on this earth? If you are still breathing air, you have an opportunity to write and edit your epitaph. Be inspired today to live with ambition and purpose, and resolve in your heart to add value to your friends, family, and acquaintances.