Conclusion means “the end or finish of an event or process”. Last week I wrote about process. Would you consider your life as a process to an end? The end may lead us to where we do not want to go, by our actions. The end may lead to a life everlasting, also by our actions. It is truly our chose in which way we go.
What if we choose a hero approach to conclude our life? As a hero, we would overcome all odds by our own efforts and our own sacrifice. We may think that a monument of our sacrifice will buy us the recognition we are seeking. Heroism is really not a chose. Heroes are made by unconditional sacrifice, in my opinion.
What if we conclude to become a martyr for some misguided ideals? Success may be achieved for a temporary moment in time but time moves on to other news of someone else trying to get on the band wagon.
What if we become a forbearer of the truth? A forbearer is one who remains patient in the face of provocation. If someone has shown forbearance, they behave in a calm and sensible manner even though they have every right to be angry. They are patient and tolerant even in the face of adversity.
It is our choice how we behave and how we end our existence here on this earth, in my opinion. During Holy Thursday, I was asked to participate in the celebration of life for a 94 year old forbearer of the truth. He could have ended a Hero during a time of conflict in World War II but as circumstances go, his mission on this earth did not conclude then. I believe God had so much more for him to share. I can attest to his forbearance for the last 4+ years of his life. I shall always remember this gentle, funny, calming person as a reminder of a sower of good seeds in life to bear good fruit. He always remained in the moment asking what does God what us to do next?
Hebrews 5:10 says he was appointed by God, John 13:1 says he love his own in this world, and John 13:34 says he gave us the commandment to love one another so we may be recognized as one of his. As we remember the sacrifices of Jesus, let us remember that we all need to pick up our cross and follow the way, the truth and the light.
T