In our contemporary culture, skulls bring thoughts of hard rock bands, Harley Davidson, or pirate movies. Many years ago, however, skulls were a visual reminder to Christian monks that life will end. As monks would isolate themselves for prayer, they would bring with them the Scripture, a candle (for light), and a skull. In the “Rules of St. Benedict” monks were instructed to “keep death before one’s eyes daily”. They wore black to remind them that they were preparing for death and the life to come. The whole premise of all these reminders, and others, was life is too short to be wasted. Of course, the Bible also communicates this message in reminding us that we are a mere “mist” that is here for a moment then vanishes.

While a skull, or any other reminder of death, in our society is disturbing and avoided, and while our brief existence on this earth ignored, there is probably no culture in the world that wastes more time than ours. We spend countless hours scrolling social media or watching television, while at the same time using “time” as an excuse not to pray, read the Bible, go to church, or serve God through serving others. Maybe we, like the early monastic movements, need reminded of what really matters; because whether we want to be reminded of it or not, we are all going to die. Maybe today, tomorrow, or 40 years from now, but it is a 100% certainty. The question is not “will I”, or even “when will I”, but what did I do with the life God gave me.

While I don’t endorse everyone carrying around a skull, I do think it could be beneficial to start everyday with our death in mind. For if when I woke in the morning I did so with the perspective that today could be my last day, would I not live it differently? Would I not be more willing to live in the moment instead of the past or future? Would I not be kinder, gentler, more patient, and more loving? Would I not put more effort to prepare today for what happens once I breathe my last breath?

Now I know what many people might think about such advice. “Who wants to live with the doom and gloom of our mortality?” While I admit it might start that way, but at the same time, how can we learn to live if we are not ready to die? How do I prepare for eternal life if I am simply wasting this temporary one?