Living Fully Here and Now

Years ago, my Grandfather preached what I think was an Easter sermon, which he wrote as though a letter to his family on the event of his death. He was very pointed. He wanted his memorial service in the church not in a funeral home. He also said he wanted a simple casket, the cheapest one possible, and no gravestone or maker. No flowers. “Don’t waste your money on it!”, he said. My family adhered to some of that – but he does have a marker out in our church’s memorial garden.

What I appreciated about his message, is the willingness to think through it, to plan. Too many times I’ve had families after the death of a loved one, trying to figure out what their father or mother wanted – memorial service or otherwise. He also lifted up the hope we have in Christ of life eternal – life beyond death.

We don’t like to think about death. There is no doubt that we live in a culture that glorifies youth and that encourages us to deny it or defy it, to do whatever it takes to look younger than we are. We spend 100 billion dollars a year spent on anti-aging products. We also live in a time when our healthcare system is hyper-focused on prolonging life at all costs, forgoing almost any conversation considering quality of life. This is why Hospice has been such a gift.

I know we don’t like to think about death. But Jesus spoke often of his own death and ours, and the gospels certainly don’t shy away from it, as if to push us to come to grips with it.

Now having said all of that, I’ve known way too many people who get old before their time. And I never fail to be inspired by someone in their later years who has a youthful heart. Jesus himself – in his teachings and ministry focused extensively on life here and now – which raises the question: Is there something about awareness of the end that adds depth and vitality to life now?

As I mentioned yesterday, I know for me, when I remember that one day I will be here no longer, that reflection makes me love more fiercely, appreciate more deeply the people around me, and feel more fully the beauty of life here and now.

Let us pray: Life is such a precious gift, O God. Help us to appreciate not only the beauty of creation but also the beauty of relationships. Help us to cherish each moment with a friend, each hug from a family member, and each conversation with a loved one. And, above us, remind us again and again that in life and in death we belong to you; through Christ our Lord. Amen.