Celebrating Life

When you lay your head down on that soft pillow at night and you reflect quietly on your day, what do you see? Do you smile because you actually lived your life today? Or do you fall asleep a little depressed and confused because you muddled through the day? Maybe you survived the day. Or maybe you just tolerated it, every bone in your body weary and achy.

It's a good question and one we all need to answer. I know. I'm right there. I have been falling asleep with the weight of the world on my shoulders, knowing that tomorrow will offer a new load of battles, struggles, and serious concerns. For awhile, life was something to be survived. Then, it moved to a "just tolerate it" level. Well, that ended on Wednesday. Let me tell you why.

A dear sweet precious girlfriend of mine passed away last Sunday morning. She was 49, married, mom to three awesome kids, and one of the most selfless, giving people I've ever known. She loved the Lord and spent a lot of time in His Word - and it showed. She offered joy everywhere she went. She exuded faith. This woman knew her God and His character flowed from her very pores.

Instead of a dark, sad, desperate funeral, a "Celebration of Life" was given for this friend. Why not? Everyone knew where she had gone, and there was certainly not one reason to feel sad for her! The typical fragrant flowers were replaced by light and airy helium balloons of every color and shape imaginable!! Instead of songs of mourning, there was Spirit-filled praise and worship. I could imagine my friend, watching from her place of glory, dancing and laughing over us as we remembered her intense impact on this world and those who were blessed enough to know her.

My moment of truth came at the grave yard when hundreds of helium balloons exploded into the air above, twisting and winding and floating their way toward the free and open blue skies. The sight was so moving in itself that tears of joy were seen on many faces. A perfect ending for the testimony of a life lived in its fullness. I was suddenly faced with the question - How am I living my life??? Is it a life so grounded and anchored in the Lord Jesus Christ that all around me are fully aware of joy, faith, peace, love, and mercy??

Psalm 135:18 says "And those who make idols are just like them." The truth of life is that we invariably reflect what we soak ourselves in, what we choose to believe and devote our time to. What do others see when they are with you? What unspoken truths are they sensing as they obsesrve your life? I want balloons and praise and worship songs when my family and friends celebrate the essence of my life lived! What will you choose?