I've tried to mentally put myself in their position and wondered how I would feel if I knew that my own life was winding up?
How would I react? What would I do.. how would I think?
I do notice in movies, the dying often either languish artfully in bed looking solemn, or else use those final precious few weeks or months left fullfilling bucket list dreams and having final parties.
But real life is of course, very different.
For a start, most people who get to the final phases in life are often sick... and don't have the energy to climb mountains or travel to disneyland. While they might languish... they still usually have to function in regular ways, going to hospital appointments, eating, showering and managing daily life. The reality of being sick is difficult.
I've seen it, its a tough gig.
...the body that I inhabit is taken down
like a weaver, I've rolled up the carpet of my life
And God cuts me free from the loom
(Isaiah 38 Message Bible)
Apart from the physical side of the struggle, the aspect of emotionally and spiritually dealing with seeing the finish line is what makes me curious about people.
I think if that were me... I would be hoping that there is some kind of life after death. That there would be something more. And I'd consider what possibilites could transpire.
Then I think "well I am going to die myself anyway" so of course, it is going to happen to me.
"I always think that life just can't end - I can't just cease to exsist."
"It's not that I think I'm anything more special than anyone else....I just can't imagine not exsisting at all"
"It seems a waste of a person. It doesn't make sense"
Since I've been a kid, I often thought about these things. But it seems strange that not many of the dying patients I've cared for seem to contemplate these issues.. they seem to just be caught up only the closing of the door, not whats behind it.
Of course there are exceptions, thos who seem confident of going "somewhere" after there bodies give it up. But also others equally as confident that there is N O T H I N G after death. How can they be so sure? Nobody can.
I think, "what have you got to lose in the consideration that there could be more?" I mean, really.. if there is some small chance that there is an after-life, and that God exsists - heaven or hell is real... wouldn't you want to know? Could there be something "more or other" than this world?
I used to assume if God was 'up there' and he was a 'good guy' I'd get into heaven. I mean, I never murdered anyone or anything. Still... I didn't know the 'exact facts' of the matter about Heaven..because I'd never investigated.
When I did, I read in the Bible, that Jesus has promised those who call on his name, who believe in him and come into a relationship with him can and will have eternal life with Him in heaven.
...that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
j o h n 3:15-17
The Bible adressess death and dying, and living after death quite extensively. Thats one thing about that book, it never shirks from any hard questions and I've had alot of tough ones over the years.
The Bible affirms that yes, we are created to live forever, not our physical bodies which decay and fall apart. (Don't I know it!) but our souls, or spirits... what makes me, me and you, you. That person who lives inside will live on and won't cease to exsist.
But crossing over the threshold of death, inevitble for all of us, is a forked road. Some to heaven and some to hell. The Bible is frank, and real about this. Even I at times, don't want to believe this. But it's not my logic that God is required to submit to.
So... Heaven, the good place, is where I want to go. I dream of perfection. I see the potential of a perfect world, especially when I am at the beach and everything is gorgeous, full of life and good smells, sounds and experiences.
how do i get a ticket to heaven?
By belief, (who so ever believes in Him)
by faith,(Believe that He is and does exsist)
and thus - entering into relationship with Him.
Its a free gift... but also costs your hearts devotion.
Jesus said, "I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.
j o h n 14:6
It's a tricky business this dying stuff. And makes me think alot.
especially in my job and just as a human being who is getting older.
I know thinking about death and eternity it not a HOT topic..but still...Its real life and maybe ignites some thought in you.
we are all travelling the same road...
