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The new movie, The Bucket List, has people talking. And when I first heard about it, it sounded like a must see movie to me. Until I saw a preview. Let me explain.

Here’s the gist. The Bucket List stars Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, both whom are recently found to have terminal illnesses. The bucket list is that list of things to do before “kicking the bucket.” So rather than be bitter, they set out to live their last days doing those things they always dreamed of but for various reasons never did.

They sky dive, drive race cars, eat caviar, visit the Great Wall of China, etc.

Really? Is that what you would do if TODAY, you were given the news you were going to die — soon? Really? That you had cancer and there was nothing that could be done. Would you head off to the Seven Wonders of this world to see them?

I wouldn’t. None of them would even cross my mind. What would I do? The answer is so clear to me I do not even have to think about it. I would spend the last days with my kids and family members. I would make those few days, weeks, month(s) the best days with them. Each day would be lived enjoying and appreciating every minute. I think it would be things like having talks, meals together, walks, showing affection.

I wouldn’t give two weeks notice at work. Probably a phone call the morning after the news. I’d hop on the next flight out and be there.

I would be thankful to be able to draw close to God. I think I would truly see each day as a gift. I wouldn’t desire to see or do anything in this world. I think the fact I would soon be leaving this one I would be interested in making sure I was prepared in the next.

In just the past couple years, I had an influential man and his family greatly affect my life. I had met them from my restaurant. They supported me in many ways to help see that I and the business do as well as it could. He was diagnosed with terminal prostrate cancer and given 3 weeks to 6 months to live. The doctors sent him home and told him to get his affairs in order. He had the financial means to do whatever he wanted with his last days. What he did was revealing. He spent it with family. Even a brother who he had not communicated with for many years showed up for a Sunday breakfast. The final days (which Fred made last over 2 years!) were spent on things that mattered. He had his priorities right.

If we would slow down and quiet our world, I think we would realize that this is how to live. We should make room every day for the things that matter. We should think about them daily. I often struggle knowing so many things I give attention, time, and concern to everyday are not the things that matter. It’s a lot easier said than done. Unless we get the news.

I still plan to see the movie sometime after it comes out on dvd. I gather from the reviews that in fact, the conclusion does indeed reveal family is most important. There’s a place for a bucket list — here’s one of mine —but the least appropriate place would be at the time of receiving the news that your days are short.