The Dash - What Will It Represent?
In the midst of life, there is death. Many people transitioned from this life today, and one such was known to me. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends closest to her... She lived a life that impacted many. Ms Audrey...may your soul rest in peace.
As I reflect on the fragility of life, I can't help but think about my own mortality. I am under no illusion that I am immuned to death because of my youth. I've been on this earth over 30 years, and hope to enjoy 30 more, but it's the Father who chooses when and how. He's not always in the habit of revealing His plans either. In this reflection, I wondered: how did I spend my dash?
The first time the concept of the dash came to my mind-space was at a funeral. The Pastor, in his reflection, was speaking about the time between the birth of a person and their passing, often represented by a dash. The end of my dash is a date unknown to me. But how did I or am I spending it? Could I be considered worthy of the many blessings bestowed on me? Was I kind, patient, forgiving, trustworthy, and above all, loving? Did people see Jesus in me? Was I truly happy? Did I help even one person to have a better life or even a great day? Did I make my Father smile?
In trying to answer those questions, I refer to the declaration of 2015 as my Year of Seeking the Kingdom (previously were 2 years of Building Faith). In the past few weeks, God has shown me that I am a part of the Kingdom - I MUST seek Him and draw closer to Him, but also to let His blessings flow through me to others. Pastor Chris (Go for God) recently did a series which included a passage from Ezekiel and I understood more clearly this element of my search. Plainly put, I'm blessed to bless. It therefore occurred to me that in seeking the Kingdom, I fill my dash with all that matters.
I can't in all honesty say that I've been successful. Mistake after mistake and misstep after misstep have shown this. But as I like to say, it's a work in progress (WIP). Daily, weekly, monthly, I try to give of myself in one way or another. There's a conscious effort to be kinder, more patient, more respectful, more understanding, more forgiving, more pleasant... more loving.
The end of my dash will come one day. Some people will miss me, will shed a tear or two, and reminisce about my quirks and the good times we had. Perhaps the efforts made in my WIP would have been felt, acknowledged or appreciated. I hope they will see that I lived my imperfect life striving for Godly perfection. More than these, my dash should end with "Well done My good and faithful servant". That's my prayer...
As I reflect on the fragility of life, I can't help but think about my own mortality. I am under no illusion that I am immuned to death because of my youth. I've been on this earth over 30 years, and hope to enjoy 30 more, but it's the Father who chooses when and how. He's not always in the habit of revealing His plans either. In this reflection, I wondered: how did I spend my dash?
The first time the concept of the dash came to my mind-space was at a funeral. The Pastor, in his reflection, was speaking about the time between the birth of a person and their passing, often represented by a dash. The end of my dash is a date unknown to me. But how did I or am I spending it? Could I be considered worthy of the many blessings bestowed on me? Was I kind, patient, forgiving, trustworthy, and above all, loving? Did people see Jesus in me? Was I truly happy? Did I help even one person to have a better life or even a great day? Did I make my Father smile?
In trying to answer those questions, I refer to the declaration of 2015 as my Year of Seeking the Kingdom (previously were 2 years of Building Faith). In the past few weeks, God has shown me that I am a part of the Kingdom - I MUST seek Him and draw closer to Him, but also to let His blessings flow through me to others. Pastor Chris (Go for God) recently did a series which included a passage from Ezekiel and I understood more clearly this element of my search. Plainly put, I'm blessed to bless. It therefore occurred to me that in seeking the Kingdom, I fill my dash with all that matters.
I can't in all honesty say that I've been successful. Mistake after mistake and misstep after misstep have shown this. But as I like to say, it's a work in progress (WIP). Daily, weekly, monthly, I try to give of myself in one way or another. There's a conscious effort to be kinder, more patient, more respectful, more understanding, more forgiving, more pleasant... more loving.
The end of my dash will come one day. Some people will miss me, will shed a tear or two, and reminisce about my quirks and the good times we had. Perhaps the efforts made in my WIP would have been felt, acknowledged or appreciated. I hope they will see that I lived my imperfect life striving for Godly perfection. More than these, my dash should end with "Well done My good and faithful servant". That's my prayer...
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