24 Hours Left

As I was talking with my Louisville kids on Easter, the older grandson, Silas, received a text which he shared.

‘If you knew you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do?’

My immediate response was, ‘I would spend every minute cleaning house so people wouldn’t think I’m a slob.’ Which is mostly dumb. My house is always pretty clean. And it was totally egotistical – as if I should even care what other people think. And it was a really idiotic and thoughtless remark! What would that even matter? As I rethought the answer, I would live that 24 hours with more purpose.

I would make sure all my passwords were up to date so my kids would have an easier time of things. That wouldn’t take long.

And make sure the tax stuff was readily available. What a pain!

More importantly, I would write personalized letters to my loved ones. Like the old dudes in the Bible who at the end of their lives blessed their children, I would do it the way I am most comfortable – the written word. Hey, I may even start blessing letters now!

If I had time, I would write a few personal notes on the computer to special people telling them I’m outta here!

As I prepared for Mother’s demise, I read a number of articles on the dying process. Of course, one is never really prepared, but I took to heart one particular suggestion. Don’t hurry through the grieving process in the immediate aftermath of the death. I think it would apply in this case as well. If I knew death was imminent, I would take time to think.

Because I know where I’m headed – basically in one step, I’ll be where I’ve lived all my life preparing to live.

I would pray. As my daddy would say, ‘Make sure your heart’s right with the Good Lord.’

I would pray one last set of prayers for those for whom I pray daily. Most don’t even know I do it, but I know God is answering my prayers.

And I think I would spend time at the piano playing hymns and worship songs until that moment.

But, it is all a moot point.

What was the answer Silas brought to us from his friend? ‘Jesus knew He would die within twenty-four hours. What did He do? He washed the feet of others.’

Think on that one! And this!

Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.’

Blessings

Kara Beth