When my children were young, often times we’d hop in the car not having a clue where we were going. It generally had to do with,
“Where should we eat?”
I’d take off down the road hoping the wife and kids would come to a quick agreement. That didn’t happen! Lack of decision making led to many unnecessary miles put on our vehicle. My mother was just the opposite.
Before leaving the house, specific plans on where she was headed, including how to get there were chiseled in stone. Big brother Jim picked up mom’s trait. His career as an air traffic controller fit well with this organized way of thinking.
Before mom passed away she knew her final destination. Mother made a point to let family know exactly where she’d be, and how to get there. Mother prayed throughout her life that we’d make that same decision regarding eternity. Far as I know all of us have.
Mom was so organized before making the trip, that she took time to leave specific instructions. Taped to the refrigerator, tucked away in drawers, cubby holes, and safety deposit boxes were handwritten notes telling where to send this or where to mail that. Items of jewelry that an older sister gave her had an attached message saying,
“Mail to your cousin Cheryl in Oregon.”
She had sticky notes indicating what each grandchild was to receive. There were instructions on what legal paperwork to keep, plus those documents needing shredded. My mother left money to pay incoming bills such as gas, electricity, and telephone.
I recall a 1950’s war movie where a gravely injured soldier is asked by an Army chaplain if he knows where he’s going. The young infantryman takes a deep drag on a cigarette before replying,
“I hadn’t gave it much thought until now!”
That pretty much sums up the way many people think regarding death. It seems the older a person gets, the more they have to contemplate such.
Years ago I was chatting with a co-worker about life on the other side. This man depressingly indicated that once he died that was it. He believed there was nothing else. I listened intently. Several years later I bumped into him and his whole attitude had changed.
He was positive this go-round on what would happen once his heart stopped beating. Somewhere along the way this fellow had seen the light. That individual is now in Heaven. In due time I know I’ll see him. This would not be the case had he not accepted Christ.
Some people have far-fetched ideas about life after death. One lady told me she was coming back as a butterfly.
“They’re so beautiful!”, the woman explained.
I suppose she didn’t realize the life expectancy of a butterfly on average is 1 week to 9 months.
If people don’t know their final destination, hopefully they’ll make plans before it’s too late. Without question I know mine. I haven’t written any departure notes like mother, but there is one lingering in my head. It will be for my two grown children:
“Dear Kids,
Please take care of any outstanding bills with your money. I’ll refund it when you get to the other side.
Love – Dad!”
I like to write junk... 