Become New with John Ortberg 5. Why Gratitude Might Just Save Your Life (Eventually)
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Nov 14, 2025 Join a reflective journey through a cemetery to discover how contemplating mortality enhances our appreciation for life. Learn why meditating on death can sift out the trivial and reveal what truly matters. Hear fascinating stories, including a poignant memento mori watch and a woman's hopeful request for a fork in her casket. Embrace gratitude and consider the legacy you want to leave behind. This exploration encourages you to cherish daily gifts and foster a deeper connection with loved ones.
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Mortality Sharpens What Matters
- Awareness of death sharpens appreciation for life and reduces trivial worries.
- John Ortberg says remembering mortality frees us from petty resentments and material distractions.
One Last Cookie: A Darkly Comic Moment
- A dying man crawls for one last cookie only to be told they're for the funeral.
- Ortberg uses this darkly comic story to show how death reframes small pleasures and priorities.
Use Memento Mori To Slow Down
- Practice memento mori: remember your mortality to slow down and choose what truly counts.
- John Ortberg urges using that reminder to avoid wasting life on speed and trivialities.
