Brenda’s Blog – February 24, 2015
“Thank you for loving us and being so kind to us.”
Thirty-six hours later my 94 year old friend unexpectedly died. Those were the last words I heard from him.
Have you ever considered your final expression? Would you want it to be an affirmation of your faith? How about a message of love to your family?
Jack didn’t have time to craft final words for he fell into unconsciousness never waking up until he opened his eyes seeing the face of Jesus. He lived with words of blessing on his lips. He lived prepared.
What would a lifestyle of readiness look like? Would our relationships benefit from more “I love you” and less “I told you so.”
Years ago an older woman came by my house. Noticing the unfolded laundry on the dining room table, the dishes in the sink, and the toddlers wanting my attention, she offered this advice: “Always leave your house dying ready.” “What?” “If you were to leave the house like this and not make it back, all the sweet church ladies would come in. They would offer condolences adding, “Bless her heart – she tried her best but her house was certainly a mess.” I appreciated her words, but at that point a helping hand with the children would have been much more helpful!
I cannot say my house is always dying ready, but I think about it every time I walk out the door.
Perhaps our relationships should be dying ready. As we leave each other, words of encouragement should be the last ones they hear. At my age, many of my friends enjoy marriages of 50 and 60 years. One of the common denominators is the “say I love you when we leave” rule. The heart is softened when these words cross the lips.
Speaking life and blessing to one another demonstrates the life of Christ. Being ready for our last words to be strengtheners emanates from the Spirit. Creating a community of encouragement flows from our Father God. What a privilege!