Today, I heard of a website that can actually provide you with your death date by simply inserting four key pieces of information. Once you have given the calculator your birth date, your sex, your outlook on life, and your body mass index (calculated for you onsite), then you wait for a couple of seconds and bam!...your death date appears with a clock ticking down the seconds you have remaining. In the background, you see the death angel waiting patiently.
I sat there and stared momentarily at the seconds slipping from me, and the sudden realization that that was my life disappearing - not just a clock marking time for someone else. It was marking time for me!
It is a strange thing when the impenetrable realization that your life will end comes into stark focus. And yes, I know that no website can accurately predict the date and time of anything, including death; there is no human being that knows that kind of information. However, I do believe that we were all created with a definite starting and ending point - and it is left to us to figure out what to do with the dash on the grave stone, with the time that represents life - my life.
The point in today's sermon asked what we might do differently if we knew that our time clock would cease ticking in 30 days. The question penetrated my heart and soul, and made me realize that I must be about life in a different manner than assuming life on earth in this body is infinite.
Just since I began typing this blog, seconds have gone - seconds that will never be experienced again. So why am I writing and why am I still here in front of this computer? As I mentioned earlier, writing to me is something almost mystical. I am compelled to capture my thoughts and my impressions on paper as an artist is on canvas. Words will remain long after I am gone. May I make my words count for something...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
Wow I don't think I will look up that website. But I do believe we all have a set time to be born and to die. We need to live for Christ in the middle and always be ready to meet Him.
I don't want to look up that website either! I sit and think about the time I spend watching a show, reading emails, and various other things that take up time and wonder if I have wasted opportunities to make a difference in the lives around me. My hope for the future is that I look for those opportunities before I turn on the television, or the computer. I know that my time on earth is my opportunity to let His neverending love show through me..........and not miss the opportunities to share that love!
Dr. H....you are a such a blessing and I am thankful that our paths have crossed!
I don't want to know the time of my death either. I hope to live my life as an example of God's love and to spend the time I have with my Grandkids.
It's going to be unanimous...none of us thus far are eager to find that site. I do hope you continue using some of your "dash" to write, though, especially here. You're so good at it! I've heard "it's what you do with the dash..." somewhere before...is that from a book?
As humans, we're prone to mess things up and waste the precious gift of life that was given to us. I think it's important to just do the best we can in all things and never forget that when we do mess up, forgiveness is right there waiting. All we have to do is ask.
I've seen that site. It creeped me out. I don't even remember what it said, but it made me want to spend every second with my family.
Some people I know are experiencing the death of a young loved one, and it really makes you think how others will remember your life once you're gone.
Wow! I'm often reminded of how old, fat, and poor I am. Now I can know just when it will do me in.
Seriously though, the mere description of the site is a reminder that we should appreciate and make the most of every moment in this life.
I know I don't want to see that website! Ditto to what you have said Lesley! Live for Christ and be ready to meet him but also make the most of the dash!
Wow, that is a very thought provoking post! I don't think that I would want to know exactly when my time will be up, but I do want to try to keep in mind that I need to make the most of all my opportunities.
What an intriguing thought...what do I do with my time? Some days we seem to have so little and in others it may drag.
You have a way of touching people with your writing. I believe it's a blessing and a gift!!
Nice thoughts, Dr. Hebert. very compelling. you really do have a gift for writing, as they are very interesting to read.
“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be…” It is easy to forget. Thanks for a wonderful blog.
I am glad that all of you Grad students and instructors are in my dash!
Post a Comment