One of the profound privileges of being a pastor is being with people who are in their last stages of life on earth.
I’ve only been a pastor for 9 years and I’ve held many people’s hands as they’ve passed from this world to the next.
What does it teach me? Well, a lot of things. But today, let me share this one thought with you.
Say what you need to say to someone you care about before it’s too late.
One of the most gut-wrenching sentences I hear is this: “I just wish I had taken the time to say…”
For some reason we delay saying what needs to be said. Maybe it’s “I love you” or “I forgive you.” Maybe it’s a question about a dark chapter from the past. Maybe it’s sharing your hope-soaked faith in Jesus. Maybe it’s “Thank you so much for helping make me who I am today.”
I don’t want to alarm you, but every single person in your life is one heartbeat away from death. I hope that everyone lives long, robust, faithful lives. But what if that one chapter-closing heartbeat was closer than you think?
As we’re reminded in Ecclesiastes 12:7: “And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (ESV)
If you have something important to say to someone you love, say what you need to say before it’s too late.
It may be the source of immeasurable peace, not only for them…
But for you.
By Matthew Ruttan
- “Up!” is published 5 days a week (Tuesday to Saturday) and returns on May 2nd.