By Lori Ubowski

 

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect,
the Son of Man will come.  ~Luke 12:40

 

A few months ago, I had lunch with one of my best friends in the entire world, while in town for an appointment. My friend is thriving in her 80’s and doesn’t look a day over 60, so I was surprised when during this lunch she asked me, “Will you write my obituary?”

What Did You Say?

At first, I felt awkward because I’m not used to talking about death at all, and certainly not so practically. I sat in amazement, taking in all she was sharing. How she already arranged and paid for her funeral, including where she wants her service. She also set all of her affairs in order; in preparation for the eventual departure from her earthly body. She even showed me the cremation box she picked out on Amazon, saying, “Isn’t it pretty?” with a sweet chuckle! 

Preparation = Peace

I felt inspired to share her story because I was so impressed by her courage. What an outstanding example she is of how to look at the inevitability of death and choose to be prepared instead of being paralyzed by fear. Jesus warns his disciples in today’s Gospel reading and challenges us to be ready, saying, “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come” (Luke 12:40). Jesus is asking us to have our hearts, our relationship with him in order, ready for the day that will come for us all.

Prayer

Holy Spirit, be present in my heart today, dispelling the fear of death and replacing it with the desire and courage to be ready for the day I will meet my Savior face to face.

Call to Action

I invite you to spend some time taking a spiritual inventory, asking God to reveal the areas of your life that need to be prepared for His coming.

 

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