5-10-2014

Good Morning All,

       2 Timothy 4:6; “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.”

      It was about ten years ago that the country singer Tim McGraw sang a song entitled “Live like You were Dying”.  The song was about a young man (I was in my early forties, with a lot of life before me) who suddenly found out he had cancer.  This event changed his outlook on life (all of a sudden goin’ fishin’ wasn’t such an imposition).  That is always one of those conversations that many find difficult.  How would you respond if you were told that you only had a short time to live, maybe six months or so?

     Many might be tempted to try the “Bucket List” but that would probably get old soon.  It would be tiring, expensive and it could take you away from your family and friends.  Some may just close themselves off and die quietly and lonely.  It is a difficult to try and calculate exactly what one would do.  My wife and I watched a movie where a mother of a young girl died of cancer.  She had written a series of letters to this young girl for different birthdays, Christmases and future big events.  The little girl looked forward to each letter as did the father.  So what would you do?

    The thing that Paul did was to sit down and write a very loving and personal letter to his young protégé Timothy.  In this letter, Paul encourages his young student to continue on in his faith.  He encourages him to remain strong and true no matter what comes at him.  He does this in a way that speaks of the love that Paul has for this young pastor.  So Paul’s last days are spent continuing to support this young man.  It is a noble thing that Paul did, but could you?

    I don’t know what I would do in this situation.  I would like to think I would write letters to my grandchildren offering encouragement.  I would like to think I would write my sons and express my pride and happiness in them.  I would like to think I would write my wife and thank her for her love through the years.  That is what I would like to think I would do but I might not be that strong.

    I do know that the most important thing to do is to reconcile where you need to, thank where you can, encourage as you have the opportunity and be sure that those around you know that you love them.  This is far more important than “things” or “stuff.”  This is a far better list than skydiving or sailing the horn of Africa.  What the knowledge of your impending death should do is point out that it is the relationships of our lives that matter here in this life.  What you should know is that you are dying, we all are.  So don’t miss a chance to love your family and your friends.  Live like you were dying; love like it you will live forever, for you will.

Father of all mercy, you give us life.  Even though we may die, we will live forever with you.  Help us to see that the greatest joys in this life are our family and friends.  Through the forgiveness of sins you make us your children.  By your grace, we have eternal life.  Strengthen us by your Spirit and make us confident of our eternal life.  In the precious name of Jesus, our risen Savior, we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret