Every knock on the door or ring of the telephone seems to be some kind of request for time, money, or something I have that someone less fortunate needs. Even my mailbox is a bearer of petitions with various ministries sending out a salvo of pleas for donations to provide hot meals on Thanksgiving Day. When demands start piling up, I get a little overwhelmed and begin wilting under the pressure.
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I’d pray for a miracle but make sure all my papers were in order, will away all artwork. In the meantime, I’d stay up later and get up earlier figuring I’ll get more than my fair share of sleep after the fact. I’d stop watching TV. I think I’d call a party planner and send out invitations to all friends, family and my enemies for an event that would take place on day ten. We’d call it “The Grand Finale”. They could stay with me to the end if they wanted.
Maybe Dave and I would charter a private plane for a 36 hours to see the south of France. We would share all the love we could together. I’d drink an expensive bottle of wine with him while looking out over the scenery and eat exotic food without feeling guilt. I’d like to kiss him at the top of the Eiffel Tower. And have our photos taken there. Photos non-stop for ten days.
I might spend the flight there and back writing down the things I’d like people to remember about me: I like wintergreen gum best and ginger ale made with honey. I loved healthy food because it made me feel better, but junk food tasted good. I never regretted being saved or knowing Christ. My husband Dave was the most impressive blessing received from God that I prayed for. I’d write my own obituary and say that my church family was very good to me. I’d try to remember all my true friends and briefly write to them thanking them for their positive affect in my life. I’d forgive any lingering grudges (do I have any?) and ask forgiveness (always in need).
I’d call my relatives who didn’t know Jesus and try one more time to introduce them.
I’d want to travel and see the country for a few days, go to the beach and sail on the water with my husband and all the daughters who could attend. I would spend one entire day with my youngest: have a tea party and go for a drive or hike in the woods. We’d have adventure day. I’d go to a church I always wanted to see and worship the God I will soon be meeting.
I will often think and cry about all the people I’m leaving behind, and find comfort in knowing I will (one Heavenly day) see them again. I will rejoice in all that has gone right, been blessed and the achievements I have been able to accomplish.
At the Grande Finale I would eat, laugh remember and likely cry. All the while, sing and praise God until I go to Heaven. It may not have been all peaches and cream, or a bed of roses, and sometimes it wasn’t all that fun. But, I trust it will all be worth it.
What would you do?
