From Charlie Gray

I graduated from high school in 1976. The world was different in those days. Didn’t seem to be so much discord in the world or maybe I was young and just not paying close attention. Those days are gone but I have a bounty of memories that linger in my thoughts every day. A classmate of mine passed last week rather unexpectedly. It really caught me off guard. His bushy hair and huge smile from fifty years ago immediately flooded my heart. That’s how death is sometimes. We are never ready to let go of those we love.

We ALL will die someday. That reality kinda levels the playing field. You may have plenty of time left or be like my friend with death awaiting you just around the bend. I read a passage last week that challenged the reader to think about things you would stop or start doing if you knew your time was near.

The passage took me to the powerful statement spoken by the main character in the movie "Shawshank Redemption" when he says: "Get busy living or get busy dying". This line suggests the choice we all have of actively making the most of life and striving for a meaningful existence or passively accepting a life of despair and ultimately death. This statement is rich in reality and candidness. I suggest it’s one we ALL should reflect upon.

As followers of Jesus we know death is only the beginning. Passing from this world opens the door to a life eternal. Our faith provides a cushion of HOPE against the penetrating grief from losing a loved one. Death brings with it an everlasting worldly sting. BUT our faith promises a joyful reunion in our future but until then, we can only get busy ….. get busy living. Rest In Peace my friend.