For the last couple years I have been working out at a health club doing a forty minute hill-climb on the treadmill, followed by some abdominal exercises. I thought I was - well, not in shape, but at least not completely out of shape. Tuesday I decided to try jogging outside after not doing it for those same two years. OOOOh! I felt like a beached whale. Every step was hard, every joint and both lungs hurt, and it was very depressing to be sooo incredibly sore when I finished and even more so the next day. Forget feeling old - I felt like David, "There is but a step between me and death." I felt a little better when I remember that I'd given blood the day before at our church's Red Cross Blood Drive. It always takes me a few days to get "perky" again after that. So yesterday I ran again, and to my joy and amazement, it wasn't so bad. I ran the better part of a mile and a half (just a couple short walking stretches) and don't feel particularly sore this morning. Maybe I'll live after all - for a while. I may not be ready for a half marathon by May, but I will improve and get in better shape.
I share that, not to bore anyone with my personal workout schedule, but because it is so appropriate to a question I was asked Tuesday when a member here interviewed me for a class she was taking. It was about the effects of our culture on our traditions about death and dying. The final question was, "Is there anything about death that frightens you?" My first response was, "I'm glad you didn't ask me that several years ago."
No, there is nothing that frightens me about death. I haven't always felt that way, but God, because of his great mercy and grace, let me live long enough to learn, grow, and know him so well that my heart is at peace with whatever he wants to do with me.
This is a huge subject, but briefly, let me say why my answer was so easy and true.
1. I really believe I am saved by the precious blood of Jesus and He will save me in spite of my sin, not because of my goodness.
2. I really believe there is a heaven and He has prepared a place for me for all eternity, and I will be with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and all my loved ones who love Him.
3. I love life and I love my family and friends, and I'm excited about what He will do with me for whatever days He gives me - BUT - I do not want to be too attached to this world. I'm okay with letting it go.
4. There is nothing about dying that involves losing, missing, being robbed, cheated, or short-changed. It's all about victory, gaining, and receiving the ultimate blessings God has in store for me and everyone else who "diligently seeks Him."
If I had a fear of dying, wouldn't that be a red flag that something was not right in my relationship with my Father?
What would your answer be? Got any red flags in your life?
1 comment:
You think a lot: That's a good thing. You think a lot about things that actually matter: That's an even better thing. Keep it up, you inspire thought! :)
Post a Comment