A Healer’s Geste

Living with the End in Mind

My grandpa passed away two weeks ago today. My husband and I went to the funeral on Saturday. In his 90 years my grandpa was awarded a bronze star in World War II and was an engineer who built towns and cities all over the world. Hearing his life story at a funeral has turned my thoughts to consider what story might be told at my own funeral.

Whatever that story may be one thing is certain, I am living and writing that story right now. What sort of story is it?

What story do I want told at my funeral? Whatever it is, now is the time to start living it.

What commendation do I hope for at the end of my life? Is it not “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master”? It is. Therefore, now is when I am to be a good and faithful steward.

What sort of life do I hope for as I age? The health choices I make now could very well determine my options when and if I reach 70, 80, and 90. Suddenly weight loss, diet, and exercise is not about losing pregnancy weight, but about instilling healthy habits and managing my energy, stamina, and strength potentials for when my age doubles and triples.

Last week I read 1 Timothy 5 in this light. What sort of woman is qualified to be supported by the church in her widowhood? One who has been the wife of one husband, one who is known for good works, one who has raised children, one who has shown hospitality, one who has cared for the saints’ physical needs, one who has been devoted to good works and service. These are the things I am to be doing now.

Do I want to be remembered for crankiness or for joy? For annoyance and stress or for love and kindness? What temperament dominates me now? What atmosphere dominates my home? If I died soon, would my children have more memories of discipline or of affection? Of frowns and distracted “uh-huh”s or of smiles and shared laughter?

And so with one momentous life shift, living in fellowship with my children, living life on purpose, living intentionally rather than idly, living for the long haul rather than the moment’s convenience and ease, becomes clearly needful rather than theoretically ideal.