Wednesday’s Thoughts
“What if we knew we would die tomorrow?”
Issues of death and dying are the most important that we try to resolve. They push us beyond the shallowness of our logic and the confusion of our self-deception to look at the important things and to put the important things first.
Thinking we will die soon brings forth a level of intentionality and intensity that can become rich and full.
It is no accident that the bulk of the Gospel accounts have to do with Jesus preparation for death and his death and resurrection. The Good News is born from the gloom of an impending tragedy.
I think three things happen to us when we contemplate our death:
1. We begin to see the forest for the trees. We can see the bigger picture when we are looking at the end of our life. We can view, in perspective, the whole of our past and the whole of life itself.
2. We begin to notice the trees in the forest. We take the time for the little things. We spend moments reflecting on things we would, otherwise, pass on by.
3. We review our relationship with the God who made the trees and the forest. Our understand of God takes on a deepening meaning when we are aware of our death.
Have you ever come close to death? What did it do to you? What did it do for you?
Facing near death can be a great gift.
Do you have thoughts about death and dying? I’d like to hear from you. Write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to share your thoughts with the congregation click on the “comments” box below.
Charles Schuster
