Last week, I experienced a dose of reality — that profound experience that reminds us of the transient nature of life — as I had the opportunity to visit individuals with whom I had the privilege of pastoring. These saints of God, who have grown older and are nearing the end of their mortal lives, each have their final battles to contend with as their bodies succumb to what we call death.
One of these individuals was a once vibrant lady in our church. She always smiled and was ready to greet those who were there. You knew her when she was in the room. When I saw her, she was confined to the couch, covered up, going from asleep to waking up. She has, as of this week, passed away.
The second individual is an elderly gentleman who once led a vibrant life. He was a key leader and deacon in our church, a pillar of our community. Now in his latter 80’s, he is battling cancer. When my son Andrew and I visited him, his wife and daughter were preparing to take him back to the doctor because another part of his body was not functioning correctly. We sat with them, and we prayed with them.
The third gentleman was in a retirement facility where it appears that he sleeps a lot and is not always as alert as he was. For me, this was the hardest visit. I found it difficult to see him in this state, as I could remember how he had become a friend and such a help to our Christians in recovery ministry. He has been an alcoholic and drug addict. He was a decorated Vietnam War veteran. My kids knew him well since he went to camp with them and on mission trips. Sitting there with him, I became emotional, thinking about how he had played a key role in our church and my family. My kids still tell stories that are centered on him. Yet, in that moment, you could tell he struggled to remember who Andrew and I were.
Reflecting on those three visits, I am reminded of several things. First, life on this earth does not last forever. The reality is that we will all pass away at some time. Our bodies do wear out physically and mentally. Second, and most notably, I must be about helping people experience a personal relationship with Jesus. We will not live on this earth forever, but we will live somewhere for eternity. I am convinced that all three of my friends are followers of Jesus, and when they die, they will see him face to face. The problem is that many people need to have that personal relationship with Jesus. May God give us that dose of reality today to say with whom I need to share the love of Christ with whom I come in contact. Let us be inspired and motivated to deepen our own spiritual connection with our Lord and Savior, Jesus.