In case you have not noticed, I love and fear God, I’m also a devoted follower of the principles and person of Jesus Christ! I’m saying this just to set the records straight. Some of you will like me more, some less, and some will not care more or less. I’m saying this so you understand my tilt, and know that I’m nothing but a steward of everything in my care.
Haven understood that first paragraph, another thing I’ll like you to know about me, is that I do not fear death. Death is scary, don’t get me wrong, but I confronted the thought of it so much that I’m not scared by the shadow of death. As a matter of fact, I believe that one of the most limiting things to the human potential is a fear of death. When you conquer the fear of death, you live life to the fullest. One of my most enjoyed methods of confronting death, is to sit down, and think up what I want to be my epitaph. It’s called living today with the end in mind. Stephen Covey wrote some great thoughts about this in 7 habits of highly effective people. I’ve done this a lot, and one that has been most consistent for about a year in my mind is this one… Still a Blessing.
When (If…depending) I die, I want my epitaph to read… still a blessing. I want to be as much a blessing dead as alive. This was the fundamental thought that helped me to define what I wanted to be writing about on this blog. It made me know, I needed to try as much as possible to write about timeless things. Things that if you stumbled on this blog when I’m long gone, you will end with a deep sigh of relief, and say, wow, that touched me.
You see, from my frame of reference, we never really die. We only transit, from this world to another. And I want the things I did, when I was in this frame of reference, to still be valuable when I transit. I want every one who knows, and maybe then, knew me, to look at my life, my works, stand by my grave side and say… even now.. he’s still a blessing.
Don’t get all mushy eyed on me, by God’s grace, I’m going to live long and enjoy my years. I will see my children’s children’s children. I will hold them in my hands and bless them… the same for you too… if you say Amen!
When you write an epitaph for yourself, your life takes new meaning, gains new focus and gets fresh direction. You know what you are here for, what you want to be remembered for. The fear of death wanes, and your life becomes more free, more fulfilling and more refreshing. You become less concerned about making mistakes, less bothered about temporary things. You live your life with the end in mind, you leave an exceptional life.
It’s not an easy exercise, it starts from witnessing your own funeral, of if you like the 80th birthday in your honor. What do you imagine your friends saying about you, your colleagues, neighbors, acquaintances, your children, your grand children, your old friends…what do you want them to say? What do you want written on your tomb stone?
If you have one, let’s have it…if you don’t, try one out here… Thanks.
