Three Minutes

Today I attended the funeral of a family friend. The father of two young children and a brilliant scientist, he was taken before his time by cancer. There was much to be moved by at the service, particularly the sight of his ten-year old son and eight-year old daughter gently laying tear-stained red roses on his coffin. But, the stark and poignant impression imprinted on my heart was the picture of the man painted by the Eulogists—two family members and his best friend who told the story of his all too brief life—each in under three minutes.

In under three minutes each we learned of this man’s vast scientific achievements, how he met his wife, his musical virtuosity. We heard of his finesse as a horseman, how he loved animals, and how his dry sense of humor came seemingly out of nowhere, striking so suddenly it reduced listeners to tears of mirth.

We heard of his unwavering love of his children.

We heard of his valiant battle against cancer to the end.

All in three minutes or less (times three). Nine minutes to celebrate 52 years of life. I said to his wife ”I didn’t realize he was such a renowned scientist. “ Nor did I,”* she said laughing through her tears.

Three minutes. For an entire life.

How you would want to be immortalized in three minutes or less? Who would paint your verbal picture? What would they say? How would they evoke you? In three minutes? Would they speak of your love? Your work? Your hobbies? The impact you made on mankind? On your community? Your family? What will be the gifts you leave behind that go beyond bank accounts and insurance policies?

How will you be remembered? What will define your legacy? How many people will raise their hands to speak of you? In what ways will your character be defined? Will there be laughter? What is it that defines you…in three minutes or less?
Write it down. Lay it out. Today is the day to write the three minutes that define your life. Today is the day to start living up to your eulogy. Because today, right now even, is all we have.

So, don’t wait any longer. Live today to its fullest, and construct your legacy, for you and all who love you.