Don't Let Death Scare You
Last week I had my first experience with what is known as a “Witches Walk”. Hundreds and hundreds of women, some from as far away as Kingston dressed up as witches and flooded the streets of Coldwater. Supposedly it’s just an excuse to get out and do some shopping while in costume. To be honest we didn’t know what to expect, but the truth is it was kinda fun.
The street was blocked off, there was live music and lots of good-humoured customers. But I have to be honest, I’d never seen so many big hats and big noses in my life and they just kept on coming through Em’s Cafe for over three hours. (Some Christians questioned why we would be open for such an event, but I will leave that for another day.)
With the Witches Walk behind us and Halloween now just a few days away, it got me thinking. Not about Halloween so much but about a question that I think is worth asking. Here it is:
Does death scare you?
That may sound like an odd question but I think it’s an important one. Perhaps the only time we really think about death is when we are at a funeral service.
Which is the point. Maybe we should think about death beyond the walls of a funeral home.
Let me ask you this…have you ever considered what your own funeral service will be like? What people will say about you? Will the air be filled with kindness and affection because of the kind of person you were and the impact you made or will they have to make up nice things about you (I’ve been to those funerals, in fact I’m pretty sure I’ve officiated a few of them).
Instead of “wondering” what people will say about you later, why don’t you “decide” what they will say about you, now?
As you look to the future, hopefully much into the future…
- How do you want to be remembered?
- What will you have accomplished?
- Who will you impact with your life?
- What do you want people to say and feel about you?
- What will be your legacy?
I hate to be the one to tell you but we are all going to die someday. I will turn 50 next month and the older I get the more real this becomes. But in the meantime,
Try this exercise
- Consider the questions above.
- Write your answers down.
- Then work backwards from there.
Once you have a clear picture of the kind of person you want to be remembered for, determine what it will take to get there. Hopefully you’re already on your way but pay attention to any gaps.
“In order to get the results I want (how I will be remembered) I must be this kind of person (my purpose) and do these kind of things (my mission).
Don’t try to overhaul your life. Choose one or two things that you would like to change or improve that will move you closer to being the person you want to be. Do you want a better marriage, deeper friendships, or maybe you have a dream you’ve been putting off pursuing.
It’s been said that “Our future is determined by our daily habits.” How can your future self influence who you will be today?
I believe everyone of us is created with the potential to have a positive impact on others, whether a few or many. I don’t want to leave anything on the table, when my life is over. What about you?
Don’t let death scare you, let it motivate you.
Q. How do you want to be remembered at the end of your life?
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