Everything has a last time

Everything has a last time

Everything has a last time. Recently, my wife, son and I were discussing the fun things my granddaughter (Amelia) did when she was little. She just turned eleven. She spent her first 5 years at our house during the week while her parents were working. That time gave us a lot of topics to talk about. Our discussion covered everything from her ideas to how she pronounced words. Our family loves to travel to Florida beaches. When Ameila was little, she called it Flowda. We never cross the Florida border without saying something about Flowda. But there was a last time she said that. It’s a fun memory.

Life is like that. I’ve had great clients who have passed or moved from the area and there was “a last time” we talked. I’ve visited different parts of the world knowing that when I boarded the plane, it would be the last time I would be there. It could be sad, or it could be a moment to reflect and be happy that I had the opportunity to be there. In the summer of 2024, I did pulpit supply for a pastor friend. I spoke on “last times” and how many there are in our lives. Later that year, I decided to hang up my speaking schedule. That 2024 pulpit supply was the last time. I spent forty years being a public speaker. There were times I spoke fifty-four times a month. Today, I have a lot of great memories, but the summer of 2024 was the last time, and I’m fine with that. It’s time to move onto new things.

In the summer of 2019, I sat with my mother while she slipped into eternity. I was holding her hand when she slipped away. I kissed her on the head and said, “I love you,” and she was gone. I knew it was the last time I would ever talk to her. It was difficult, but I have a lifetime of wonderful memories to think about. The same thing happened with my father-in-law. As I left him, I kissed him on the head and said, “I’ll see you again.” He passed overnight. I spoke at both of their funerals and reminisced about the wonderful things they brought to life. In each case, it was the last time I would see their faces, but I have a lifetime of memories to relish. I did tell the congregation at my father-in-law's funeral that if I kiss you on the head, you might want to get your affairs in order. 

My challenge to you is to realize that many things in your life will be “last times.” Rather than leaving the house mad at a family member, work it out. Don’t let that be a “last time” you’ll regret for the rest of your life. If you are unhappy with your job, find one you’re happy with. Or better yet, create one you build yourself. Create it in the image of what makes you happy, serves customers best and brings you pure joy and satisfaction.

I had a college student reach out to me this morning to ask if she could interview me about my life as an entrepreneur. That made me reflect on the two companies that have been with me for 40+ years. There have been many last times in both businesses. Most have been closure followed by the opening of a new phase. I can’t think of one that hasn’t been better for both companies. “Last times” are not always negative. Often, they are the beginning of something better.

Business is just one phase of a full life. Life is full of family, friends, coworkers, clients, and others who interact with us. Make it a goal to treat every meet-up with them like it is the last time. Leave them with a smile on their faces and fond memories in their minds. Don’t let the hurriedness of life cause you to blow off relationships like refuse. Each one is a piece of the puzzle of life. Some make you better and others educate you. Each one has a benefit. Let your last times be good times.

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