My Bucket List

Recently, I watched a movie that had piqued my interest the first time I saw the trailer, The Bucket List. It was almost everything I had hoped for and it didn’t disappoint. I told a friend about the movie and that obviously led to a discussion of what would be on our own bucket lists – if we had them. What do I want to do before I “kick the bucket?”

Well, for starters, I want to skydive. And not just anywhere. I want to skydive over some amazingly beautiful scenery. Perhaps find a place in the hill country of Texas during spring when all the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush are in full bloom.

Next, I want to be kissed on a gondola in Venice. Being in Venice would be nice. Being on a gondola ride would be great. But the dream – the only part of this that could make the list is being kissed by the man I love on a gondola in Venice. Goosebumps!!

I want to teach my children to snow ski and glide down the mountain with them. What will inevitably happen is that they will bump and grind down the blacks while I glide down the blues and meet them at the bottom. But still, it makes my list all the same!

Going to Peru for an extended period and working alongside lifelong friends who have served there as missionaries for over 40 years is a must! I learned to type as a little girl by flipping through their rolodex of friends and supporters while my family assembled their monthly newsletter. Yes, this was before computers and the internet. Admittedly, this was the 70s. I am old…well, I’m getting there. And getting to Peru will happen.

I desperately desire to have the blessing of leading someone to salvation through Christ in the 10/40 window. Someone will have the honor of leading that last one to Jesus and then immediately hear the trumpet sound. Someone will usher in the second coming of our Lord and WOW, don’t you want it to be you? I want it to be me and the only way it can is if I am opening my mouth everyday telling those around me about the power in the blood of Jesus. He sacrificed Himself to cover my sins and offer me eternal life through His shed blood. How can I be selfish and keep this to myself?

I want to drive along the Pacific Coast Highway on a beautiful, sunny day with the top down. Well, let me clarify a little. I don’t actually want to be the driver because I want to soak in the beauty of God’s creativity! I want to be with the man I love as he drives us down the Pacific Coast Highway. And, we must be in a convertible or it is pointless. Okay, not pointless, but the effect is definitely not the same. I’ve owned a convertible and nothing beats it.

I want to walk in a bookstore in a little store in Timbuktu and see my name on the cover of a book. I want the Holy Spirit to fill me with words that will inspire others to love and grow. I want Harry and Mitch to become real to children everywhere. I want Voice Lessons to take shape and rejuvenate a generation of missionaries.

I want to build beautiful houses for people who thought they could never own such a place. I want children who live in duplexes and apartments to discover the joy of walking into their own home.

I want to lead my children as they learn to make a difference in their world. I want to see them make choices that will build the kingdom. I want to teach them how to outgive one another.

And, I want to hold my grandchildren. I want to be the grandmother my mom never got to be.

I want to hear God say, “Well done.”