There is a you-tube clip that is circulating the Internet and being embraced by people in higher education. Carnegie Mellon University has a lecture series called Journeys. It is a chance for a designated professor to share what they would share in their "last lecture."
If you go to the website (www.cmu.edu/uls/journeys) they cite Mary Catherine Bateson, author of Composing a Life, "An artist takes ingredients that may seem incompatible, and organizes them into a whole that is not only workable, but finally pleasing and true, even beautiful. As you get up in the morning, as your make decisions, as you spend money, make friends, make commitments, you are creating a piece of art called your life …"
The video clip that is being sent from person to person is about a professor who is actually dying. This is truly one of his last lectures. When I watched the clip, I was reminded why so many of us teachers love the book Tuesdays with Morrie (which I have blogged about previously). What would our last lecture be? What words would we want to share with others? What would we want them to remember?
This metaphor can be used for many occupations. For pastors, what would be the message in the last sermon? For people retiring or moving on, what do you want to say about the people or the company?
There is a message for everyone. For me, the message is about making moments count. Spend your time doing something worthwhile. Don’t age, but become a sage.
- What would be the focus of your last message?
- Who would be the audience?
I LOVE this video! Randy Pausch is a genius… I get chills at the end when he talks about the last two “headfakes.” I don’t think he could have made a better presentation.