Central United Methodist Church
	Lewis Street at Beverley
	Staunton VA
	Founded in 1797
	Rev. David D. Reed, Pastor

 

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February 2004

For The Record

I read recently about a training retreat for business leaders who wanted to lead more productive lives and become more of an influence upon others. A professional consultant was contracted to lead the retreat. Successful CEOs signed up because the reputation of the consultant was such that they just knew whatever was said would be worth hearing. The time came for the first session; the room was filled with eager hearers who had pen and paper in hand.

The highly trained and well respected consultant stepped to the center of the front of the auditorium, every eye following his every move. In a clear voice the retreat leader announced that the number one task for success was to answer the question: "What do you want said about you in your obituary? Now, go figure out how you will answer that question."

My observation after years of reading obituaries is that the consultant spoke with true wisdom. I believe how we answer that question will tell us more about what is important to us than any other question of which I can think. Obituaries are generally written by others, usually family members; still the pattern of one's life becomes pretty clear. Often the listing of the record begins with the date and place of death, then the connection with family, then it goes to education and business or job, next is civic involvement, and then usually the church. Occasionally, more detail is included if the person's church involvement was regular and sustained, details such as member of the choir, taught Sunday School, etc.

Yet, I wonder if the listing is according to the priority of their life? I suspect it is; at least the priority in terms of how success is defined. I also wonder if that is how the deceased would want to be remembered.

Let me go on the record and state what I hope will be stated first in my obituary.

David D. Reed, 103 West Hill Farm Drive, Staunton, Virginia, by the grace of God entered into his eternal rest on _____. His life's desire was to mirror the image of God and he sought to reflect God's love to all others. He is survived by (names to be supplied by Deborah) whom he loved as cherished gifts. In response to his call as a disciple he: (list what ever is applicable.)

I don't intend that to sound morbid. I do intend, by God's grace, to keep faith in God as the priority in my life. I am fully persuaded that when God is our priority, then life is filled with grace and awe. You see, as a follower of Christ, I am to live as a steward of what I am and all that I have been permitted to use. Like Jesus said: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Luke 12:34).

Think about it.

Grace and Peace,

David