Face to Face with Eternity…and Some Random End-of-Year Questions
I just read about some crazy ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve. For some people, looking for the hottest party in town to count down seems too status quo. Instead, they want to do something nutty, like skydiving out of a plane at midnight, or taking a plunge into the bone-chilling waters of Boston Harbor, or joining more than 60,000 people in Venice’s San Marco Square who lock lips in the world’s largest communal kiss. Really?
I have a different take on end-of-year traditions. I confess to you in advance, I have a melancholy trait I will indulge now and then. For example, when I was fourteen, in the throws of middle school angst, my sisters and a few of our friends were setting off fireworks in the street on the 4th of July. Everyone was laughing and shouting, and having a great time. But then the “Charlie Brown” slipped out. “It is just like the world” I sighed, “a brief flash of light, and then it is over with so quickly…” I sure know how to have a good time, don’t I?
So my apologies in advance if this comes off a bit heavy and puts a damper on your mood…but welcome to how my brain works!
Woody Allen and I have some things in common. He expressed this outlook in one of his earlier films, Hannah and Her Sisters. Early on in the film there is some suspicion he has a brain tumor.
“It’s over…” he panics, “I am face to face with eternity, not later…but now! I’m so frightened. I can’t move, or speak, or breathe.”
Just then, his doctor walks in with test results.
“Well, you are just fine. There’s absolutely nothing here at all.”
When he finds out he’s ok, he leaves the hospital; he’s running and jumping through the street, and then, he stops. He realizes, I’m not going to die from this brain tumor now, but I’m going to die someday.
So whether or not you have big plans for tonight, it is an appropriate time to reflect on some things before you skydive out of that plane or take the icy dive into those freezing cold waters.
It’s been said, “Those who are prepared to die are most prepared to live.”
So today, I look back over the last 12 months and, in a “sobering” exercise, ask myself these hard questions.
If this were not just the end of the year, but the end of my life, would I thank God for how I lived it?
- Did I grow in my understanding of who God is?
- Did I love Him more?
- Did I joyfully serve Him?
- Was I faithful to my relationships to my husband, children, friends, and ministry?
- Was I more attached to “stuff” that doesn’t last?
- Was I more forgiving of those who hurt me?
- Was I a faithful steward with all that I am blessed with…my possessions, my health, my time?
Now, go celebrate!
Why? Because of the fact that we can take all our regrets to the cross. Go celebrate the truth that forgiveness and a new beginning is promised to all who repent. Go celebrate the assurance that the Holy Spirit will continue to teach us, never leave us, and will see us through…for one more day, hopefully one more year!
Most likely, this is just the end of a year, but the end of our lives are one year closer… Let’s be able next year to thank God for how we lived it.
5 comments
Mariana | December 31, 2011
Thanks for sharing Cathe!!
Those are a set of questions that I think have run through my brain most of the second half of 2011. Having eternity in minnd keeps things in perspective. I've had more flash-forwards than I can count lately, almost everyday, which helps me and challenges me to have a better relationship with my God.
May this new year helps us keep eternity in perspective.
God Bless you and your family and may this coming 2012 be full of blessings.
Leave a comment
Yvonne | December 31, 2011
It's New Year's Eve and I've been listening to Pastor Greg's sermon for today and looking at your photos. I've always listened on the radio. I don't think I've ever been on this site, but praise God i will be back. What a blessing to hear and read all these words. God is so AWESOME, isn't HE? I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do, both of you. I lost my job in September, but God always supplies all my needs. I'm believing for a great job and hope to support this ministry. I am single and live in Churchill, TN. God Bless this ministry. You are a beautiful family. I know you miss your beautiful son Chris. Won't it be fantastic when we get to heaven and see our Lord and all of our loved ones!!
Leave a comment
Nita | January 5, 2012
Thanks you for sharing your thoughts, I really enjoy reading, so encouraging!
Leave a comment
Mary V.G. | January 6, 2012
Dear Catherine Laurie, Most grateful for your endless encouragement, for one to be in preparedness for, [His] presence. Best and Blessings.
Leave a comment
Terri | February 9, 2012
Dear Cathe Laurie -- I am new to this website and I am tardy in my reading but I have to say you are simply marvelous. Reading your posts, articles, crafts, etc. I feel like I am wrapped up in a cozy blanket - it brings me warmth, joy and hope. I live in Utah which is spiritually dry so Virtue for Women is very special to me. Thank you so much for sharing - I just love this website.
Leave a comment
Leave a comment