This can be a rather jolting question, and one that is sometimes avoided. But as George Bernard Shaw once observed, the statistics about death are very impressive— one out of one dies. It would seem that the question is worth considering! A short column is not enough space to thoroughly treat this question, but perhaps a few comments can jumpstart our thoughts.
Over the last three weeks, I have reflected with readers on the sudden death of my mother, at age 72, after experiencing a stroke. Her death exemplified the fact that death can come unexpectedly, even to those who are not especially old and who seem to be in good health.
We, her family, were very thankful for the preparations that she and Dad had made ahead of time. Perhaps the following suggestions can be of help to all of us who yet have time to make preparations.
Make a will.
It’s important for most people to have an up-to-date will, especially if they own property or have young children. One can find information about preparing a will at the library, online or by consulting an attorney.
Prepare a health care
directive.
One of the best ways to inform others about your health care wishes is to fill out a health care directive and select someone to be your health care agent in case you are incapacitated. In my mother’s case, for example, she never regained consciousness after her stroke, but because she had a health care directive, we knew her wishes regarding such things as organ donation and life-prolonging treatment.
Because a serious injury or illness can occur at any time, adults of all ages are encouraged to make an advance health plan and engage in open discussion about these matters with family members and their doctor. Forms are available from your health care provider, attorney or by calling toll-free 800-882-6262. In our area, one can contact the North Shore Hospital, Sawtooth Mountain Clinic or Grand Portage Clinic. Christy Buetow, LSW, is available at 387-3261 to assist people in preparing the forms.
Make funeral
arrangements.
It is helpful to loved ones if funeral arrangements are made ahead of time. Consideration can be given to type of funeral or memorial service desired, burial arrangements, involvement of a particular church, pastor or musicians, etc. Some may wish to indicate favorite Scripture passages or hymns appropriate for a funeral service. One can get more information by speaking with a funeral director and/or a member of the clergy.
Prepare for life after
death.
As important as the above arrangements may be, all of them pale in comparison to being prepared for life after
death. Some believe that there is nothing after death—one simply ceases to exist. But how can one be sure? There is good evidence to suggest that death is simply a door into a different sort of existence. How does one prepare for that possibility? Allow me to answer as a Christian:
I believe that human beings were created by a loving God to be in relationship with him, both during our earthly life and after death. However, there is a basic problem: though we were created for fellowship with God, our tendency is to wander away from God, to seek independence from God. We find ourselves separated from God, without the benefit of God’s help in this life and uncertain about the future.
God, however, seeks us out. In the Bible we find the story of God’s actions in history to bring us back into relationship with him. These actions culminated in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus lived the perfect life we could not live, died a death we deserved because of our rebellion against God and conquered the power of death through his resurrection. As a result, the way is opened for us to return to God and enjoy all of the benefits that come from living in relationship with God. When we admit our sin and need, God offers forgiveness and life—life so powerful that it takes us through death and into eternity with God.
For God so loved the world that
he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him
may not perish but have eternal
life.
John 3:16.
Because of his great love for
us, God, who is rich in mercy,
made us alive with Christ even
when we were dead in transgressions
– it is by grace you
have been saved.
Ephesians 2:4-5.
It is in relationship with God that we find not only true joy and usefulness in this life, but we also find ourselves prepared for death and life after
death!
Each month a member of the
Cook County Ministerium will
offer Spiritual Reflections. For
October, our contributor is
Pastor Deborah Lunde, who
has served as pastor of Zoar
Lutheran Church in Tofte since
July of 2008.
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