John Lennon sang “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.” He wrote the words for ‘Beautiful Boy’, a song he dedicated to his son Sean.
I know another John. Last week, one of his lunch meetings was cancelled. Because he keeps his bicycle and helmet in the office, John is always ready for breaks like this. The sun had finally peeked through the clouds. A leisurely ride and he’d be back in time for his 2 o’clock meeting.
Two miles away, Robert’s wife was insisting on driving him to his doctor’s appointment. Irritated at how she and the kids were ganging up on him about giving up the car keys, Robert, 85 years old, wouldn’t listen to her.
“Stop badgering me. I’m just going two miles,” he said, slamming the front door as he left. Climbing into the Lincoln, he slowly backed out of the driveway.
Ten minutes later, along the tree-lined road that cast shimmering and confusing shadows, John was killed when Robert’s car hit him. John’s cell phone was ringing. His daughter was reminding him that they had a date to go shopping for camping gear that evening.
John’s family has no life insurance because John had delayed paying the premium. His wife, as busy with her company as he was with his, didn’t check if he’d paid it. Both their wills needed to be updated; neither could find the time to consult their attorney.
Robert’s family is in shock. Angry, frightened and remorseful, they’re consulting with their attorney about the legal actions they will face as a result of not being insistent enough with Robert.
We can’t see our own life unfolding. But our families will live with the consequences of how well we handle our responsibilities. Are your insurance premiums paid? Are you being too soft on someone who shouldn’t be driving anymore?
Or, as John Lennon puts it, are you busy making other plans?
