“Every man dies - not every man really lives." ~ William Ross Wallace
Pastor Dave, a Hospice Chaplin, had played this scene out hundreds of times with people who lay dying - in their homes, in hospitals or in nursing homes. Mostly, they talk about their families: mothers and fathers, sons and daughters. They reminisce about love they felt, and love they gave. Often they talk about love they didn’t receive, love they didn’t know how to offer, or love withheld from ones they should’ve loved unconditionally.
Some are lonely, not only because people don’t visit, but visitors may spend their time wrapped up in idle talk about weather, sports, or politics. Their chatter keeps the dying person from being able to speak intimately. Sometimes people in their last few hours on earth want to unburden themselves of deep secrets buried for a lifetime.
"I know why this is happening to me,” he said is a raspy, halting voice. “God’s allowing this because . . . The conversation ended as Hank slipped back into semi-consciousness.
Ever-the-Pastor, Dave Morton responded quickly. “God loves you, Hank,” trying to reassure the dying man that whatever he regretted, he was forgiven. “You didn’t do anything to deserve this; it’s not your . . .” an agitated Hank woke up and abruptly cut him off.
"Every time I saw a suffering child, I asked God to let me bear some of the load. I thought He wasn't listening, but now I know he heard my prayer. He’s letting me carry some of their pain,” he said before drifting off again.
What an amazing example of character, thought Pastor Dave. In Romans 15:2, Paul talks about self-sacrifice; giving of yourself for the sake of others. Jesus was the perfect example of how to live our lives. That’s the very definition of being a Christian. When we put others ahead of ourselves, we emulate Christ. This amazing man got it!
Hank woke again, this time more alert and talkative. “Gonna go very shortly . . . one of my best days ever!” Then he closed his eyes as the body released his soul for the peaceful journey home.
If you’re reading this, chances are you have a long way to go before you die. So while you’re waiting, serve and worship Him. Smile more in public, enjoy the laughter of small children, have a glass of wine with your spouse in the afternoon, share groceries with a stranger, visit a friend in the hospital. Any definition of a successful life must include serving others.
My children, as much as you love living in a virtual world, sometimes a hug, a phone call, or a hand written thank you to a loved one is far more valuable than any social media ‘tweet.’ What are you waiting for? Love, Your Father
