Fall is in the air. The light is dim, as if winter is around the corner, and there is a warm cast to the distant wood, the result of the trees gradually beginning to rust. Soon our mountain will glow with red and the ferns will become alizarin crimson. Goldenrod plants and little orange flowers are budding everywhere. Though it’s still warm, I feel the need to put on a sweater, because it’s just that time of year here in the wilderness. We hope to stay as long as possible, until our heat-free cabin freezes us out. Then we will return to life as normal. If there is such a thing these days.
Nineteen years ago yesterday, I was due to be in the Twin Towers with my management team from RadioCentral, a company I had founded. You can read the account of my near-miss here (scroll down).
What fascinates me is the extended life I was granted.
Monumental Days
There are days we always remember, like the day John F. Kennedy died, the day a man walked on the moon, the day the Space Shuttle exploded in mid-air, and of course, September 11, 2001.
On that day, my pregnant wife and I watched in fear and angst, and wondered what kind of world our soon-to-be-born triplets would be living in. Now, today, we’ve just put the triplets in college and are living in a nest with no birds at home.
Clarity
When tragedy strikes and we are spared, we often think about what we want to do with this life that did not end when maybe it seemed it would. These moments bring clarity. And that clarity resulted in tens of thousands of people leaving New York City to live in a place where life could be more enjoyed and safety was more assured. And, today, 19 years later, a pandemic has made people think twice about their lives, their values, and where and how they spend their time. They say New York City has lost a half-million residents permanently — about the population of the entire city of Atlanta. It boggles the mind.
Often when we have these moments of clarity, we proclaim our intent to live our lives to the fullest. Then as life continues, days or weeks later, we get back to throwing away our time and not using what our second chance provided.
Have you ever had a second chance and swore you would make every day count?
The question I get most is, “How do you get so much done? How do you handle so many things?” Yet the thing I am continually asking myself is, “Why do I waste so much time?”
Though I’ve not done a personal time audit for years, I’d guess that three or more hours of my work time each day are not as productive as they could be. I’m always asking myself why I waste so much time.
How much time do you waste?
What Matters?
The value of these moments of clarity is that they help us refocus our attention on what really matters. After 9/11 I had to ask myself if I would have been satisfied with my accomplishments, had that been my last day on earth.
And, during COVID-19, I’ve had to ask myself, did I get done what needs to be done? What if I’m the next person to catch the virus? Have I done enough?
Though I’d like to think those moments kick me in the behind and help me focus, we tend to lose that clarity as quickly as it comes. And I think we need constant reminders of what is important. What if I had one week, month, or year left? What is essential?
Have you stopped to ask what is essential for you?
If our time is filled with things that will never really matter, why do we do them? Well, clearly we have essentials that are urgent but not important in the grand scheme of things — paying the bills, keeping the grass mowed.
But what are the three things you want to do most with the rest of your life? And how can you remember to focus on them more than anything else?
I don’t bring you answers … only questions. You’ll have to find the answers.
Life Extended
When my life was extended because my meetings in the World Trade Center were cancelled that day, I made a list of things I needed to get done that were important to me. I don’t even know where that list is, but it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we’re making that list on a regular basis, and finding a way to move those chess pieces on the board of life.
Big Purpose for Each of Us
We’re not made to be sedentary, to sit, to rot. We each have been blessed with something we can contribute to the earth. We’re not here only to buy big-screen TVs and pay cable bills. We each need to find that purpose and pursue it like it’s our final hour. Because one day, perhaps when we least expect it, it will be.
What are you here to contribute?
What is something that is special about you, something no one else can do? If you dig, it’s there. Some of us take years to find it, but you should never stop searching. You’ll know it when you find it, or it finds you. For me it was a life in art and applying my gifts for marketing and business to help thousands of artists live better lives. Before that, it was doing the same in radio. You see, it’s a moving target, ever-changing.
I believe we get what we expect. If we expect greatness, it will find us.
Ask yourself why: Why was I born? What was the purpose our Maker had in mind for just me? You’re not random, you’re here for a purpose, and each day needs to be focused on that purpose. Any day not focused is either rest, to give you energy to continue, or a misused day.
There is no limit placed on you by age, by birth, or by circumstances. You have a purpose. Pursue it and life will become enormously rich.
Eric Rhoads
PS: How can I be so arrogant, so full of myself, to believe that I can create the world’s largest art conference online? It was a question posed in a negative post on social media after I declared I wanted to do it. But it’s not arrogance at all. It’s belief in my mission to make artists stronger because it needs to be done, and someone needs to do it. Why not me? God has plans for us all. If he has selected you, he has the confidence that you’re the one to carry it out. As I said last week, still yourself, and listen.
I’ve been given the gift of life. Nineteen years since 9/11/2001. I am grateful for the gift I was given, the experience of becoming a dad and raising three wonderful souls. And grateful for the chance to serve you and others. I could have done more, and I intend to use my time to do a better job, and waste less valuable time and energy. Today, I’m reminded of just what a gift each day is. I’m grateful to you for this opportunity to share your inbox each Sunday.
Thank you for sharing these thoughts! I always look forward to reading your Sunday article. And I’m looking forward to attending my first art conference in October!
I’ve re-read this several times only to be inspired each time I read it anew. It’s very easy to get in a rut especially with covid and the wildfire smoke etc. Being around people and reading inspiring articles help to make the time productive. The political times and the intolerance of a different opinion are destructive to being creative and positive at this time in history. Thanks for your inspiring thoughts.
dear Eric – I enjoy your Sunday chats so much and imagining you on your porch with your coffee while the family sleeps. You ask what do we want to accomplish before we go. I am 93 and have been thinking about this a lot lately. My dearest Bill has gone on ahead of me and I long to be with him but if God wants me to stay here a few more years I ask myself why and what for. the answer came to me when I read Phil. 3:4-8 where Paul lists his accomplishments and then says, “I reguard them as rubbish in order I may gain Christ.” I have painted nearly every day for over 40 years and have photos of paintings galore in doz.’s of shoe boxes. When You called to do a potcast, I was shocked. I never considered my self famous or well know. Honest!. But because you were going to call, I thought I better look back on my life and refresh my memory. I was amazed and I said to myself, “Hey, maybe I am famous.” But if I am it is because God orchestrated my life. He put me in places I never would have gone. He introduced me to people I never would have met. I am well aware that it is “rubbish” Compared to gaining Christ. I want my last days or years spend using my art to make people aware of the gifts God has given us. I haven’t the energy to paint plein air anymore so I am painting bookmarks with scripture and sayings that remind people to stop and really look at a tree, a mountain, a sunrise, a sunset, a rose, a waterfall, a field, the ocean, and give thanks. Hopefully, the bookmarks will be a gentle nudge to give thanks every day for the many things we take for granted. I know you are doing that when you speak of the lake and the changing color of the trees and the sounds. The proceeds will go to a ministry called “Water from Rock”. My thanks to God for all He has done for me.
Thanks Eric. it’s always amazing to me how something always pops up, at the right time, when you need it most.
Thank you!!
Thank you for your weekly Sunday coffee!
I also think you are a wonderful writer and I am looking forward each Sunday to your insight and philosophy.
I appreciate your article Eric. It is a good reminder of when I tell myself to remember the important things, and to let the busyness go. Thanks, Moira
finding your purpose is a good start. living it can be challenging as the journey is not always straight forward. Once in my trips around the globe promoting and showing my art i flew into London with pocket change to my name and an exhibition for the north sea oil executives set up. After many seemingly miraculous encounters where we started the week sleeping in the back of the van we ended the week in a 5 star hotel with 40,000 pounds to spare. As you have found in your business it takes commitment to move forward despite everything and everyone around you pointing in the opposite direction to your inner feeling to go for it. just take the leap into actually living and purpose will present itself.
Love this Eric, and we are so glad you weren’t effected by the events on 9/11 , & the negative post earlier this year!
I was blessed to read your post and also to know my purpose. It was a couple of weeks after my youngest son, Michael, was born. I was waiting for him to wake up for his 6 o’clock feeding. Michael was my 5th but only the 2nd one to live. As I laid there overjoyed at being a mother, I began thinking I could be anything I wanted to be since I’d become the hardest – a Mother. But, I didn’t know what I wanted to be. With that thought I heard a voice that said, “Be An Artist!” I didn’t know how to “be an artist.” So, after much repetition from the “Voice” I called adult education at the High School to see if there were any evening art classes. There were. I signed up. After I’d learned “to be an artist” I felt God called me to paint the book of Revelations. I didn’t think I was a good enough artist to do that. But, He insisted.
For the next 19 years He gave me visions and I painted 214 painting of Revelation. Then He told me to put them into a book. For the next 5 years I worked on the book. Revelation Illustrated was published in 2002. After the paintings were done I wondered if God would give me more visions. They have not stopped coming. My purpose is to paint the visions, write the stories about them and tell others the message. I thank God for calling me to my purpose, for making me an artist to do His work.
P.S. During my time of learning to be an artist I did a lot of Plein Air Painting. Now I pretty much stick to my studio.
This is too amazing, Eric! Once again, your words are incredibly timely and spot on! Am facing a closed door myself. After surviving a rare cancer early in the year (with NO chemo and NO radiation needed, just the removal of a lung lobe without consequence to my breathing…a MIRACLE!!), I realize that I am spared for a reason, as well – to fulfill the purpose that God has put me here for. That is Painting, and somehow using it to help others. (Grabbing for a pen, just now, a small paintbrush that was hiding in the pen cup leaped out and tumbled right in front of me! LOL, how’s that for a nudge?). At the end of my recovery, I received the great gift of PleinAir Live and am on fire now with new drive. But suddenly my husband has broken his back and we must sell my beloved, lovely old sailboat that is too big and involves too much heavy work. I am also taking over the “man’s work” around the house. The sailboat was my dream, not his, and has been a huge part of my life and I am grieving it. I want to be a marine painter, after all, just recently having the clarity to take that plunge! But, I must trust that God is closing this door to open another. And I do have a sense that the sailboat is being removed to make more room for painting, and not just dreaming and taking photos from the boat, ad infinitum! Saw this on Pinterest just last night: “Don’t just pray for God to open doors, Pray for God to close doors in your life that need to be closed.” (Joyce Meyers) And THEN, I came across Monk Manual – it’s a journal (daily/weekly/monthly) set up to like PERFECTLY go along with your Sunday Morning Coffee today!! A workbook of prompts that mirror yours!! I am ordering mine right away. And am printing off the meatiest parts of your column and pasting it on the inside, as soon as it arrives! Because I recognize that you just delivered a message and Pinterest delivered the arrow – “Go this way!” Gratitude to the Loving God who has used you both! Thank you for continuing to be a voice in the desert for a lot of us, Eric!! Get well fast!! Prayers for you and yours.
Thank you. One day in Vietnam, many years ago, I found out that I was the one that wasn’t sent to another base camp as a heavy equipment mechanic. Two E-6’s were talking and I over heard one say to the other, my E-8 didn’t send me because I was “on a mission” and he sent the other two that were in this light equipment company. Then two days later those two got a direct hit from a rocket and their lives were ended. I have thought about that many times over. I was a preacher for awhile, then one day my wife decided she didn’t like the life of a pastor’s wife and we got out of the ministry. I started doing what I am doing now, tagging along with God where ever He wants to go. I have been told many times in the type of work that I do and the businesses that I see, “you were sent by God weren’t you!” The information you are giving us is the information we needed and this is for various portions of their business and things they couldn’t find by other avenues. Each time, I made a friend for life, and each time I knew that would probably never see that person again! God has only sent me back to one business in the 10,000+ that I have seen over the years. And, it only takes one conversation or one word or two, that might fix their business or enhance their lives and I never brought up God, they broached to topic. I just helped fill the gap! We don’t know where we are going, or what we are supposed to do but we do know that it is better to be where He is than where He isn’t. Thanks for sharing.
I look forward to Coffee with you each Sunday.
I agree with today’s shared comments…your words are inspirational, motivating and down to earth. Thank you for your words and the public sharing of the Strealine Art Videos. Such talented artists and awesome teachers. I too have purchased at least ten. Everyone wins!!
I plan on examining and contemplating the three things I want to do with the rest of my life. Painting well is definitely one oof the focal points on this next composition of my life. I’ll have to hurry. I’m 76 and full of hope, desire and passion and the willingness to work at the process.
Again thank you for all you do to encourage and to provide concrete learning solutions. I look forward to viewing and working along with you and your “Paint by Note System”.
Eric,
Thank you for all you do for artists. It is much needed and appreciated. You have helped me in so many ways, also.
As for me, while I painted at the farmers market yesterday many people came by to watch, but it was the children who were intrigued. They were all budding artists and many will be back next week for the “quick draw” as part of the plein air event next week. I also encourage the adults to paint.
I’ll be camping and painting today through Thursday, then back for the plein air event which starts Friday and goes through the whole week. I’m painting from life every day as part of the Strada Easel Challenge.
I also continue my spiritual studies.
So that’s what I’d do with my life. Much Love, Zanobia
I wish this could be placed on a large billboard in every liberal city that is now engulfed in riots, burning, looting, wasting time. What can these criminals be thinking about their time on earth. If they spent as much time making an effort to find purpose in their lives as they do destroying our history, these rioters would go down in history as someone with a purpose. It would be incredible to send this article out to those in our country to make them ask themselves what is their purpose?
I love these thoughtful letters…your sharing your thoughts with so many. You address the commonality among us…the core of life, love, passion and purpose we all have been blessed with by birth…and those blessings we lose sight of on a daily basis. Thank you for believing and committing to the faith you have in your purpose. You are an inspiration.
Hello Eric, As always, I look forward to reading your Sunday Coffee thoughts. You express things so well and give me much as both an individual and as an artist, to consider. In a world filled with so much rancor and fear, your balanced and honest perspective is much appreciated. Keep up the good words and see you next week on Sunday Coffee.
Thanks for sharing your life with people of like minded thoughts and desires. I believe this morning, your reflections of “random events” are part of a greater purpose and plan for your life, a life designed by your creator. Your story reminds me of the biblical story of Ester. Many people can look at this pandemic as a real threat to our sanity which could easily cause us to lose hope. I have found relief in your refocusing our vision. Like Mordecai, Ester’s uncle, said “who can tell if you were born for such a time as this.” Thanks for your positive attitude and insights into the arts and living life.
Eric, Thank you for all your hard work and all you do for the art community! You are an inspirational writer and a marketing dynamo! I always enjoy reading your posts (with my coffee). Watching the free video segments has been a wonderful gift to so many. We have been blessed. Again, thank you and God Bless. Now if only I could get my act together and prioritize my life!
Thank you for another inspiring Sunday Coffee. I Know that their is something out there that I haven’t done yet, and that this something is formulating in my mind. Thank you for the inspriation and all that you are doing for the art community. PleinAir Live was fabulous, so glad that you were inspired to do it.
I, too appreciate reading your comments each Sunday. Many of the things you talk about hit home for me. I am spending my “at home “ time writing my story of my family history for my children and grandchildren. So many things I want them to know and they are too active now to take the time to listen. Your messages are inspiring.
Eric, you have been truly blessed, not merely working toward a goal, but also achieving it, thru those that support you. I hope you never take that for granted!
I’ve been in the fine art field for over 45 years. Back in ’87 I set up the nat’l advertising for an unknown group PLEIN AIR PAINTERS of AMERICA. I created 22 full page ads from ’87 thru ’95. Not one penny did I take, and not one thank you from anyone, for all the work.
At present I have zero galleries (have been in over 125)…and have a storage unit for the 300 originals (50% are framed)…and spend most of my time, trying to get any acknowledgement online…not real successful there! BUT yes, I constantly have GOD in view, and visit with Him daily. HE is the only source that keeps my head above water!
Well, gotta go, my firewood man is here, gotta go split some wood! Take care, God bless!! Betty J Billups
Hi Eric, I have been very fortunate in my life. I am 66 this year and was part of the TV generation growing up. It brought the world to me with the flick of a switch. I got the travel bug when I was 12 or 13 and my family took a driving vacation from North Dakota, across Montana to the West coast and down to California to visit relatives along the way. We came back through Yellowstone NP. I wanted to go Everywhere! No one would take me to the Pacific Ocean on this trip, only two hours away at the closest point! Well, needless to say, I have been to the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Indian and other locations such as the Great Lakes. This year has been trying, to say the least, for pretty much everyone. Scotland trip postponed for a year. Hip replacement surgery in June. I got my accounting degree and worked in the field for over 45 years and now I’m focusing on photography and drawing and painting. I’m new to plein aire so I started getting the magazine and your Sunday Coffee posts. I too have always thought I was here for a purpose, as yet to be reveled to me. Although, I believe my purpose may be as simple as being able to touch as many lives as I can for the betterment of my life and theirs. Gardening has been a solace for me, out in nature, since hiking has not been in the cards recently. I have started getting out and about with my camera again and I feel more like myself again. Well, enough meandering around. Your post today struck a cord with me and I wanted to share. Thanks for opening up a dialog for musing over our lives today.
Eric,
Thank you for this timely and thought provoking message. I too have recently been contemplating the gift for life and my use of the time I have been granted. I appreciate your well written challenge to contemplate and prioritize a list of three most important things to accomplish. I had not whittled my thoughts down this far as of yet and your article has caused me to go deeper and to evaluate.
The current events in my home state of Washington have caused me to be intentional about how I treat myself and others. I sit here socked in by “Hazardous Levels Air Quality” following our recent fires. Many are scared. Many are sick. Many cannot cope with such terrible air conditions. What can I do? Well, That will be decided today as I survey my current position and how I want to change the world for the better. I can tell you it won’t be with setting fires, speaking harmful words, or destroying others property. Let’s do the opposite of that.
Again, my thanks to you Eric,
Paula
I truly thing you are such a wonderful man. So selfless and good. These Sunday talks you have taken the time to write for us are inspiring. I love watching the videos you provide along with the interviews with the artists.
Thank you for everything you do.
Sincerely,
Bonnie Ludwig
A good word. I was thinking just a couple of days ago…….”We have all been locked down and close to home this summer. Why has it seemed to go by so soon fast and why didn’t I get the little jobs I’ve been meaning to do for a long time…done?”
Thank you Eric for your words on Sunday, I enjoy reading them. I was just reading “Open and Unafraid” The Psalms as a guide to life, by David Taylor a book ” How can we find a more transparent, resilient, and fearless life of faith?” Reading this book has help me realize I’m not alone and is like getting a booster shot of confidence. Reading your Sunday Coffee reminds me that we are all unique and we each have a gift.
I am going to the Fall Plein Air in New Hampshire . I am brand new to oil painting and only once painted outside. Im scared to death to go due to the lack of experience but none the less I am going. I know I wont be great but Im sure Im going to love being outside with many other painters. I watched many of the art videos during covid and they inspired me to start painting. I watched video after video and bought about ten of them. I’m looking forward to meeting you. Dont laugh at my paintings lol!!
Have a great Sunday,
Linda Watkins
Thank you for much for your wise and insightful Sunday Coffee messages. I look forward to reading them and reflecting on your thoughts and experience.
We are grateful for you too!
Dear Eric,
I have been actually drinking my coffee while reading your words and I am delighted to learn that you are a true survivor of Nne Eleven.
No moment of time is really wasted, being. aware and attentive to the comings and goings of our minds, is a vital activity.
Life it the gift and gratitude for this present is a major endeavor.. I am grateful for your life and your caring for those of us whose life and art is one and the same. I am an artist, Loving Art with every fiber of my being. Our government would be much enhanced as would our planet with the awareness , attentiveness, appreciation of the beauty of this world, with which Art is imbued.
Ben Franklin told us about healthy wealthy and wise.
For me healthy is goof food , exercise and paint
Wealthy is sell paintings and purchase high quality art supplies
Wise is view and read about great artists.
Thank you for keeping me motivated weekly.
Your column hit home this morning. I had an unexpected heart attack this summer in the widow maker artery. Blessed to be alive. Looking forward to God’s plans for the rest of my life.Thank you for your thoughtful column and all you continue to do for all those that love art.
Great article. I look forward to reading these each week. Thank you. You are an inspiration.