Everything you do matters.

Knowledge

Some years ago, I invited an author to speak on the topic of social responsibility at a large gathering of business owners. Prior to the event, as we sat and had coffee, she told me her husband had suffered a cardiac arrest a couple years before, but it wasn’t until recently he admitted it triggered a profound near death experience.

What she heard from her husband stunned her, but she understood why it took him so long to tell her. He was not religious in the least, and he often remarked that only foolish people believed in an afterlife. But his otherworldly experience haunted him until he finally mustered the courage to share the truth with her.

Recalling the moment it happened, he told her that after lifting out of his body and watching doctors try to revive him on a gurney below, he went back in time to a day where he was golfing with his young son, Ted. Specifically, he was teaching Ted how to cheat at golf. Watching the replay, he heard an unseen voice speak to him, “Now, Frank, you know it was wrong to teach Ted how to cheat.”

Until then, Frank had no idea there was anything beyond our material world. To him it was all science fiction and a silly waste of time to pretend otherwise. But his near death experience made him realize that some unknowable, living presence was able to rekindle a shameful memory to reflect on as he flatlined, and clearly admonish him for his behavior.

It’s easy to dismiss there’s more to life than meets the eye. It’s likely more comfortable to ignore the possibility that a higher realm expects more from us. But hoping that nothing heavenly or holy cares about the things we do—the good, the bad, the ugly—should be weighed against our hope that something more, or someone, is waiting for us open arms on the other side when the grim reaper comes calling. We can’t have it both ways.

Someone recently told me that their goal for this year was to become a better person. What courage it must have taken to admit such a thing, what humility. But it was also a beautiful act of grace. It was a sign that this person was self aware and confident she could do more or be better in some way—and it would matter, at the very least to her.

As Frank’s experience illustrates, everything we do matters, and some benevolent force beyond this realm cares very much and apparently is taking note. This experience was a wakeup call for Frank, and it’s a good reminder to us all. We can all be better and do better because everything we think, do, and say truly does matter.

Slipstream

What a story! The details about Frank's near-death experience are truly amazing. His past unprincipled act with his son was thrown right in his lap so he would know it didn't go unnoticed by the powers that be, and he was given the opportunity to come back and right his wrong. Frank was fortunate he got a "do-over." I hope he's taken advantage of it and is living a more honest life.

Great story; thanks so much!

Evangel

Yes, it was one of those stories that stuck with me, especially coming from someone I didn't know well. There are so many stories of near death experiences (NDEs) shared on YouTube today, but despite their range of details, none so far that I've seen have recounted being scolded for bad behavior as Frank's story did.

Present Valley

Ohhh what a timely reminder that someone is watching (over us).

I wonder what life would be like if we all behaved well regardless of whether we were being watched from the earth plane or another realm?
I am in alignment with the idea of being the best person I can be...today and this year.

Thank you for sharing this relevant and relatable story.

Evangel

I wonder if that's even possible. Likely, the entertainment industry would disappear if everyone applied the best of themselves to all that they did. There would be no drama left other than those triggered by natural disasters. Accidents would likely never happen because people would be paying attention and act impeccably. Almost every popular show I see these days centers around evil acts committed by deranged or evil people. We could start by creating programming that reflects the ideals we most value.