The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation.
Interpretation
A fulfilling life is judged by what we give to others rather than how long we live.
This quote emphasizes that the true value of life lies not in the number of years one spends on Earth but in the impact one makes on others through generosity, love, and service. It suggests that a life well-lived is one characterized by acts of kindness and contributions to the well-being of others, making a case for the importance of selflessness and legacy over mere existence.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech at a charity event to motivate people to give back to the community.
We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in Godβs work on behalf of the people for whom we pray.
And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things too. Don't run out ahead of Him.
If you want to hear God's voice clearly and you are uncertain, then remain in His presence until He changes this uncertainty. Often much can happen during this waiting for the Lord. Sometimes, He changes pride into humility; doubt into faith and peace; sometimes lust into purity. The Lord can and will do it.
And for all these people alike, the key to healing turned out to be the same. Each had a hurt he had to forgive.
Today I know that such memories are the key not to the past, but to the future. I know that the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work He will give us to do.
God never measures the mind... He always put His tape measure in the HEART
I have two main reasons for retiring. The first is I can no longer play at a level I was accustomed to in the past. That has been very, very frustrating to me throughout this past year. The second one is realizing my health, along with my family, is the most important thing in the world.
Why do so many of us not give ourselves permission to be alive until we are absolutely assured that we will die? ...If we are not in [this present millisecond of life and conscious experience], we are not alive; we are merely thinking our lives. Yet we have seen so many die, looking back over their shoulders at their lives, shaking their heads and muttering in bewilderment, "What was that all about?"
Life is not merely to be alive, but to be well.
Wouldn't it be terrible if you'd spent all your life doing everything you were supposed to do, didn't drink, didn't smoke, didn't eat things, took lots of exercise, all the things you didn't want to do, and suddenly one day you were run over by a big red bus, and as the wheels were crunching into you you'd say 'Oh my god, I could have got so drunk last night!' That's the way you should live your life, as if tomorrow you'll be run over by a big red bus.
I've never heard my dad say a bad word about anybody. He always keeps his emotions in check and is a true gentleman. I was taught that losing it was indulgent, a selfish act.
There's a space at the bottom of an exhale, a little hitch between taking in and letting out that's a perfect zero you can go into. There's a rest point between the heart muscle's close and open - an instant of keenest living when you're momentarily dead. You can rest there.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.