Call me morbid if you must, but I think about death a lot these days. Not just death in general, but my dying.
Maybe it’s because I’ve reached that ripe old age of 57. Or because some days I really feel old. Or because we deal with families in the context of death on a daily basis. Or I listen to more funerals in a month than most people hear in a lifetime.
Or maybe its because I want to live longer now that I have grandchildren, but the insurance companies have set my days on earth. Perhaps its because if something happens to us that requires a lot of medical attention, some prolonged illness leading up to death, its going to wipe us out financially and there’s nothing I can do about it. I can’t afford the insurance and I can’t afford the dying.
Last week I heard a preacher say, “We spend our lives preparing for death.”
I think I know what he means, but I disagree with the statement on its face value. After all, isn’t Death pictured in the New Testament as our final enemy? An enemy over which we have no power outside of the resurrection of Jesus?
I prefer to think I spend my life preparing to LIVE. After all, we never truly live until we live in our forever home, do we?
But these days I think about death. A lot.
I hope that’s somewhat normal. Because most of my life I’ve tried to be at least somewhat normal … debatable as that may be!
I think it is normal to think about death, especially as we get older. Larry and I will both be 62 this year and I often think of the “threescore and ten” as the KJV refers to it. I know none of us knows the day or the hour, but 62 is getting nearer to those numbers. Then again we both have longevity in our family. His grandmother lived to be 101 and still lived in her own home. One of his aunts was 105 and still living in her own home. His mom is 88, My mom is 87 and some of my grandparents lived to be in their late 80’s. We are both in good health and not on any medications.
Then I wonder why I’m not more like Paul and why I’m not longing to go on and be with the Lord. I do have those days but I guess I’m selfish (actually, I know I’m selfish.) I love what he has blessed me with in the “here and now,” and I’m actually looking forward to drawing my SS, we will both be signing up on our birthdays.
So my friend, I think you are normal, whatever that is. I hope you aren’t drawing that conclusion in comparison with Psycho Puppy.
Sorry Greg…you will never be shrugged off as just “a normal guy”…but in my opinion that is a good thing.
I think we have it all wrong…we worry so much about the passing out of this life and I think it is all just a continuation…sure that part will be so much better, but it is all good when we walk with God. (but I sure know what you mean about the G’kids….at least I started young)
I think most of us are prone to reflect on our lives and deaths once we hit the mid-life point, (which for most of us is around forty). I also feel older some days more than others, but the main reason I feel my age is that I have the feeling that time is running out, not in the physical sense, but in terms of time to accomplish something with my life. I guess the reason I want to stick around a little longer is that I feel that there is still something more for me to do here. I have no idea what that may be, but I often feel that I’m just getting by (maybe just getting by is the best some of us can do, myself included) Anyway, I think you’re pretty normal in your thoughts and reflections on death considering your age, occupation and faith.
I think a lot about death, too, Greg. For one thing, my mom is 88 1/2 and counting down her number of days. We know not when, of course, but sooner rather than later.
My dad died at 73, and having been an insulin dependent diabetic now for 40+ years, I do not expect to live nearly as long as my mom has. Some days the end seems quite imminent. However, on the other hand, I know and deeply believe that all ANY of us has is this moment, as God could call us home any time. We are not guaranteed a future, but only right now, this minute.
For that reason, I try my best to live each moment as if it were my last upon this earth. I do not always succeed in thinking this way, but try to do so as much as possible.
You are in good company thinking upon these things. Especially in your line of work.
Just remember that all is is God’s hands and that He will keep you and protect you as His blessed child, no matter what.
May God be with Thee and guide Thee in all things,
Dee