Isaiah 38:1 In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, This is what the LORD says; Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.
Are we every ready to receive this news, are we prepared, is your house in ordered? No, I don`t mean that your beds made, the bathroom is shiny clean and your closets are arranged in alphabetical order, how is it with your soul?
In a matter of two weeks, Rick and I attended 4 viewings and funerals. Marshall, 39 murdered by her husband, Mary, 83 leukemia, Del, 58 heart attack and alcoholism, and Mark, 31 drug overdose, were their houses in order? Maybe, maybe not!
When my brother Robin was killed I was 18, I like to believe that his unexpected death drove home the importance of living and loving every moment and the uncertainly of our time on earth. Unfortunately, I fall short of this reality..... often allowing the ways of the world to consume my thoughts and energy.
Ecclesiastes 8:8 No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death. As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice.
Today, I received an e-mail, revealing the top 5 regrets people make on their deathbed, thought you might be interested:
#1- I wish I had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life other expected of me. Do you strive to live the life that God planned for you? While you have the blessing of a healthy mind and body are you choosing and prioritizing your life and dreams?
#2- I wish I didn`t work so hard. Hum, I remember writing something about this. Men most often confess missing their children's youth and partner`s companionship, spending much of their lives on the treadmill of work. This sound familiar too, Rick and I have made adjustment to our lifestyle and spending habits, realizing that we can live happily and peacefully on less!
#3- I wish I had the courage to express my feelings. This is huge in my family, do we suppress our true feeling to maintain a fake sense of peace with family and friends? Are we settling for a mediocre existence, often developing illnesses relating to unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment. God is working in and through me on this one. I pray that my sister Joyce and I will both receive God`s mercy and healing; truly releasing all resentments and receiving forgiveness from one another. God, hear my prayer!
#4- I wish I had stayed in touch with friends. I try hard on this one. Are we so caught up in our own small circles, that we let God-given friendship slip away over time. In reality, it all comes down to love and relationship in the end. All that remains in our final moments are love, family, friends and relationships. I`ve never seen anyone on their death bed looking at their bank statement!
#5- I wish I had let myself be happier. I thank God, I`m where I am on this one, peace and happiness what a treasure. Many people don`t realize that happiness is a choice. I thank God for the inner healing that He has walked me through, allowing me to receive the truth and releasing me from strongholds and lies that held me captive for years.
Is my house in order? I will always be a work in progress, but if I died today, I`d be much closer than I was yesterday. I know that God loves me and accepts me just the way that I am. He created each of us to live and walk for the glory of His eternal kingdom; I know that I will stand before Him in heaven. Is your house in order?
Matthew 10-32 "Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven. Amen....
List of 5 regrets, from Observer August 2010
Is my house in order? I will always be a work in progress, but if I died today, I`d be much closer than I was yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI love that statement - fantastically said.