3 Reasons To Do It Like It's the Last Time

Do it like it's the last time you'll ever do it. 

I read that somewhere in internet world and it stuck with me. It's easy to take things for granted when you think you have unlimited chances to do it again. You don't enjoy the moment or savor the accomplishment or really even realize what you are doing.  Every time I've been pregnant I have reminded myself that even though we hope to have more children this could be it. This could be the last time there is life growing inside my body. The last time I feel little baby kicks and see the profile of a baby that I've yet to meet over an ultrasound. 

Doing it like it's the last time solves three problems. 

1. It removes the dullness from the routine. It's easy to think that I will be doing this same work every single day for the rest of my life. But I won't. There will be a last time that I pick up Micah and it's probably not that far away. There will be a time when my children are grown and on their own. Some tragedy could happen that would change my life in an instance. Then I would love one more day of our routine, even with squabbles, accidents, and dirty diapers. 

2. It removes the nerves from the public performance. I still get nervous sometimes singing and playing at church. Not anywhere near as bad as I used to but it happens occasionally. Music truly is something I love. I've always wanted to be involved in music ministry and I'm getting to live that dream. When I get up to sing I try to think, "This might be the last time I do this." That helps remove the nerves because I want to make the most of that opportunity. Whether you're speaking or presenting or singing or playing, anything that makes you nervous and passionate- do it like it's the last time you'll ever get to. Be grateful for the opportunity and give it all you have. 

3. It corrects your attitude. What if it were the last time you got to ____________? Whatever little petty annoyances you are seeing would just be a welcome reminder of the blessings that you do have. It will give you gratitude for the work and the opportunities that are before you today. Right now. The diaper explosion means you have a baby. The nerves before singing means you get to sing. You have a voice and can use it for Jesus. Doing it like it's the last time makes you grateful and makes you enthusiastic. 

I try to adopt this attitude every single day. Whether we're home and doing school/cleaning/playing or whether I'm at church serving or whether I'm doing something out of the ordinary that's outside of my comfort zone. 

If this is the last time I get to do this, is this how I want to do it?