Prepare for Departure

It was a warm Spring day. I was 16. My dad and I were playing softball with friends when I heard someone scream. I spun around on the pitcher’s mound to see my father had fallen in centerfield. He died that afternoon of a heart attack at the age of 55.

As I write this, I am 66 and have had a few heart related near-death experiences of my own. I’ve seen many loved ones leave this world. I realize death is part of life, but it still saddens me when I hear that a friend has passed away or is facing a terminal illness.

How does one prepare for death? Here are two suggestions.

First, live each day as if it could be your last. Start your morning asking God to show you what pleases Him and to point out anything in you that displeases Him. Ask Him to love people through you. Talk to Him throughout the day about everything. Remember, you are never alone.

Second, let God wean you off this world. Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all he had. He was testing him to see if he would be willing to give his all for Jesus. Likewise, God told Abraham to sacrifice his prized son, Isaac.

Today, God is testing us to see if we really value Him above everything. I love how the first century believers “felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.” Acts 4:32. Compared to the infinite worth of Jesus, the stuff of earth meant little to them. They had their eyes on heaven!

Life is so short. It can end in an instant! One minute my dad was catching fly balls and having fun. A few minutes later he was gone. I don’t know when my time here is up but I know the devil can’t take me out one day early!

Scripture says when Christ returns, those believers who are still living will be caught up to meet Him in the air. I can hear Him announcing, “Prepare for departure!”

Lord, show me how to prepare for Your return. Help me to let go of the luggage I’ve been carrying. When the day comes that you call me home, may you find me ready for departure.