Sadly for all of us dying is an aspect of living. It is inevitable, regardless of our attitudes, behaviour or caring. None of us are infinite. Death comes, whether slow or fast, gentle or chaotic, expected or shocking.
So how do we live with this certainty? For me, this is something that has changed over time. Although I have always known that young people could die, the experience of my family and friends has always been that one got old and then one died. Then my youngest sister passed away very suddenly. What is that about? What does it mean? What am I here for? What shall I do with this time? This was my specific process in facing my newfound conscious awareness of my future death. Of course, we will not mourn our own death, others will.
What would you like to offer to the world, to leave behind before that fateful day? Now is the time to start thinking about this. For me it does not mean being depressed or particularly serious but recognising that we cannot take our life for granted so we need to prioritise what we would like to do and try our best to live the way we feel called to – our soul’s unique journey. Maybe we have a special gift for the world and whilst we waste time trying to copy everyone else our gift is not being used or seen but remains hidden.
Here is a quote that encourages us to explore our individual gifts and the impact that has on us collectively:
‘Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is in prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.’
Romans Chapter 12 verses 3(b) to 8 in the Bible (New International Version)
It would be wonderful if we could all offer our gifts to the world before it is too late. Together we can have a big impact on our world.
If you consider that you will not be alive forever how do you feel? What would you like to do with your time here on earth? Are you concerned about what happens after death and does that impact on how you view your life?