The Greatest Sum

This Avett Brothers' song reminds us of the importance of creating a non-negotiable list of fulfilling experiences, so that we may live a life without regret and cherish every moment with our loved ones.

How do you live a life with no great regrets? Well, first make a non-negotiable list of things you need to do to live a fulfilled life… as in a list that enhances your life. When you’re on your final years of your life (not your deathbed) what are some things you will wish you did.

For example, spend more time with your kids…. spend more time with your parents….. moved to a different city and start over…. quit your job and do something you’re passionate about…. take more time off from work…. spent more time on things you wanted to…. tell the truth about who you really are…..

A song by the Avett Brothers is not only poetic but really hits on what is really important in life. I think about the time my child nearly died when he was run over by a pickup truck…. driven by me. What matters most in the world is time spent with loved ones, doing things you get joy from, and being present.

Take a moment and read these lyrics, or listen to the song.

This and who I used to be
Don’t matter much at all to me
The pit you dug to plant your feet’s
A far cry from my destiny
Not even the clouds
Not even the past
Not even the hands of God
Could hold me back from you

Dark and lonely is the ride
The devil always by my side
Though no match for what lies between
A thought of you, your trust for me
Not even the sun
A bullet from a gun
No nothing that this world could bring
Or anything someone could do
Could hold me back from you
No count of gold placed in my hand

The largest find, the greatest sum
Though some would say it’d ease our pain
We know that it can’t be done
Not even the sun
Not even the clouds
Not even the past
No nothing that this world could bring
Or anything someone could do
Could hold me back from you
Could hold me back from you
Could hold me back from you