If your eulogy was written today, what would it say?
If any of you have suffered the loss of a loved one, you are familiar with the writing of a eulogy. They usually state the facts, like where they were born, siblings, parents, children, grandchildren etc… It will also tell what they did during their life, like served in the armed forces, attended schools, and if they belonged to a local church. From here they expound on the persons accomplishments, like political offices, inventions, and other lauds and honors.
If you had to sit down today and write your own eulogy, what would it say? Now think about what people would stand up at your funeral and say about you. It is a good way to be self-reflective about your life. Are there things you would rather people never know? Are there things that if you knew you were going to die you would change? Is there a drinking, drug or other things you should break free from before people write your eulogy? Will it be, ‘he was a kind and loving father,’ or ‘he was a mean drunk and you better hide when he got in one of his moods?’ Maybe people would say, ‘you could never believe a single word he said!’ How about; Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
The thing is the Bible tells us that we don’t know when our soul will be required of us. In life you don’t get any do-overs, and it’s too late to change what they will write then. You still have time to change your life, no matter how small the flaw may be, so you can live your best life, but not so you can have a great eulogy, so you can be a great person while you are living.
When I die, (if I am not caught up in the second coming), I would like there to no doubt in people’s mind that I was, and am a Christian. That my daily life would serve as my eulogy, because I lived what I believed. If you are sitting up and taking in air, there is time for you to change your life, and live your Epitaph, of a loving parent, spouse, child, and Christian.
As parents we are submitted to the scrutiny of our children, and little gets by them. You may think you can fool them, but they can see clearly a phony a mile away. I have often challenged parents to teach by example. Treat your parents the way you want your children to treat you. Don’t talk the talk if you don’t walk the walk. Live what you believe!
We as writers often have our characters come from abusive and loveless homes. We like to romanticize the phoenix raising from the ashes of a troubled life, into a sweet loving parent and partner. If life were only that simple, and kudos to those people who can overcome those obstacles. But then, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.
Matthew 27:37
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28
For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
Romans 14:7-9
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.
Ecclesiastics 7:1
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Philippians 1:21