The Things that Matter

At funerals we always hear about the good things the deceased did, said and accomplished. They are lavished with compliments and accolades and are praised for their successes and talents but those words can no longer be received by the person and in light of eternity those words carry no weight. After reading a comment in a strangers obituary that struck a cord in my heart I just had to pen my thoughts as of late.

We often sing the praises of our family members as they excel in sports, place in academia or climb the ladder to fortune. While those things are great they really play a very little part in life because with age all of those talents will diminish. Some folks will be able to ride athletics, talents and grades to a scholarship and perhaps even a job but athletic skill and knowledge all fade with age regardless of how hard we try to retain them. Even degreed jobs and esteemed positions will disappear in a breath. Those things are not what sustain the abundant life we were created for and often they create more stress and strife than we could possibly imagine.

I was reminded of something my mom said after returning home from the funeral of a dear friend's estranged daughter. She told me she had a lot more fun visiting me now, while living, than she would after she was dead and buried. She laughingly said she wouldn't be the least bit offended if I didn't visit her after she was gone. She also said she was glad to see the woman I had become but still felt a responsibility to warn me if she felt I was going in the wrong direction spiritually. In fact, she said, she wouldn't be interested in my relationship with Christ once she moved home but for now she was going to try to help me "stay on the straight and narrow". Somehow she always knew what I needed to hear and had the wisdom on when to say it...and usually it was spiked with a hint of humor. When I think of some of her off-the-wall comments I can't help but snicker and nod my head with the truth they often presented.

Here lately I am seeing the things that matter more clearly. I have Christian friends who have big ears - not literally - but when people talk to them they listen with their hearts. They hear hurts and will extend their ears and hearts to others even when they know some most likely won't be around if they needed them to do the same. That's showing Jesus without saying a word but, more importantly, it can open a door to speak to those people about the Jesus my friends know as Lord and Savior.

My husband rides a motorcycle because he enjoys it but he makes frequent stops on the way to his destination. He's not big on killing time but he believes there may be a divine appointment God has arranged to speak truth into someone's life. That's showing Jesus wears things other than "Sunday clothes" but, more importantly, can open the door to bring their needs to the Jesus he serves.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that none of us are promised tomorrow and the next step is eternity. If there's a compliment to be paid, time to be spent or a thank you to be spoken do it today. If there's something to be learned from a friend or family member that will draw us closer to Christ then let's begin to apply and walk in that lesson. You see, this life is short even if we live to be old but eternity follows and we must focus on the things that matter.

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