if

if i lay down and wallow in self-pity
then i have already died

if I dread days with breath remaining in my lungs
then I have already died

if i exist discouraged and down-hearted
then i have already died

if i dwell on death before my heart quits beating
then i have already died

if i focus on the what ifs and could have beens
then i have already died

if I live reflecting on the past and amid regrets,
then I have already died


if i lay down at night with a heart filled with gratitude
then I am truly living

if i dread the disease yet treasure my time
then I am truly living

if i exist to bring praise and glory to Him,
then I am truly living

if i dwell on eternal life versus temporary death
then I am truly living

if I focus on family, friends and faith
then I am truly living

if I live reflecting on His blessings and not my missteps
then I am truly living


if my time arrives and death intercedes
THEN I TRULY WILL BE LIVING.

--Stacie