If you knew death was coming, like Jesus did, what would that change by Kelley Barton

On Sunday, Bill asked what it would be like if we knew death was coming, as Jesus did, what would we do with the time we have left?

A relative of mine that knew her cancer was going to take her life in a matter of months, not years, decided to stage a “live memorial”. It was a big party and allowed those attending to shower her with love. They played a video montage with photos from decades of life and relationship. People talked about how significant her time on earth had been to everyone she interacted with. She even gathered her children and told them to have grace with their Dad (her husband) after she was gone and if he fell in love again. That he had her permission to marry again and that they should give him the support to do so.

WOW! Was I impressed with that woman’s ability to look ahead, past her time on earth and help her family and community be a little bit better prepared to move forward when she was gone.

But most of us will not know when and how death is coming. And the same with those we love, who can leave us suddenly and unexpectedly.

A friend of mine recently had an event to celebrate a milestone achievement she had accomplished. The attendees were asked to prepare ahead of the party so we could each share something about this peak in her life and what she meant to us. After everyone had spoken their piece, I turned to another friend next to me and said “This is like a memorial service except she’s not dead and she gets to hear how much we all love her and why”.

What if we say the thoughts we have about our cherished relationships now? How will that help that person grow into their selves even more? I don’t mean a toast at a birthday, wedding or anniversary party. I mean in casual conversation. In a text or email exchange. Things like:

I so love that about you.

You are so insightful.

I can count on you to see what I can’t.

Your sense of humor makes my day.

I’m learning to incorporate this into my relationships and I hope that it will reflect to those in my life enough will so they know how much they mean to me while still here. I hope you are, or can start to, do the same. Can you imagine the result if an epidemic of such love and encouragement burst through our community? Jesus certainly could and He knows how much we need it.

*AI was not used in any way in the writing of this piece.