If I was told by my doctor that I only had one year to live, I do not know what I would do or think. What would you think if it was you?
Breaking the news to my loving family would be very painful. Wondering how they would handle the news and how my wife, Debbie, would react. My first impulse would be the emotional pain that they would experience. I know we all go through this, but we still want to protect our loved ones from any kind of pain.
The only good thing about it would be that I would have a deadline (no pun intended) to get my life in order and prepare my family for when I am gone. I would utilize the accelerated benefit rider on my life insurance policy and get my finances in order. I would plan my funeral and purchase a burial plot. Everything that I could do to take the emotional pain from my family I would do. I would also go to the hospital and sign a living will to not place me on life support when the time came.
I would value my time differently in that year. I would not worry about my finances, the news, what I ate, or anything of a material nature that I used to cling to. Whether people liked me or not would not concern me. I would treat each hour of the day as very precious. I would each day read of God's promises in His Holy Word. I would thank Him many times through out the day for His blessings: the good childhood memories; never going to bed hungry in my life; having a beautiful christian wife; someone teaching me the gospel; the church where I am a member; having lived in the country on a farm growing up; having a beautiful christian family that loved me and most importantly His son, Jesus, who died for my sins. Reflecting over these blessings would make me realize that I had a successful life.
I have been a christian for several years. Calling myself a christian would now take on new meaning. Being Christ-like would be of utmost importance in my life. I would try to the best of my ability to show Christ living in me. I would to leave such an impression upon my grandchildren that they also would want to live a christian life. The thought of any of my loved ones living a rebellious life and dying lost is terrifying.
I would try to show my reverence to God each day and His love for all of mankind. Sometimes in the past I have made the mistake of getting a little self righteous. I am not worthy of His grace. I could never live in a way to justify myself before Him. I would try to show those of the world no matter who we are we all need Christ our savior.
In summary my life would change for the better. I would get closer to God, my family and my fellow man. I would over look the things that used to bother me. Each day would be filled with looking for opportunities to encourage or help someone. My last days, although sad, would be filled with love.
But what if the doctor called me and said the new medicine that he was giving me was healing me and I would probably live several more years. Reflecting back over the year all of this would have been for my good. I would have decided to continue living as if that was my last year. Each day I would always be prepared to die and I would be living a life not only pleasing to God but also to my family and fellowman.
You know, that sounds pretty good. I think I will start living as though this year will be my last. How about you?
Please be patient with me. I have not written anything since college. This is a work in progress. I welcome your help and also an opportunity to make new friends. Please contact me at rhepler52@gmail.com
