How's Life?

Things die. That's just a fact of life. Interesting contrast, isn't it? A fact of life is that things die. I'm looking at a plant in my office right now that is desperately in need of water. I've effectively killed it. Programs die. Plants die. Pets die. Dreams die. People die.
I don't mean this to sound pessimistic. In fact, far from it. I've just visited with someone who had someone very close to them die and then a relative is perhaps standing at death's door as we speak. There was terror in his voice. A desperation setting in. Difficult times and moments to deal with life. Because life goes on regardless. And the Scripture tells us that we are not to mourn as those who have no hope.
What set me off on this was a news item from Moscow. Police there discovered 4 skeletons in a Moscow apartment. There was an elderly couple, their daughter, and their grandaughter, born respectively in 1912, 1914, 1942, and 1971. When did they die? No one really knows except they found a 1997 calendar. There was food in the refrigerator dated to 2003. It had been two years since utility bills had been paid and the last time anyone had seen any of the family was 2003. Comments were made such as, "Honestly, we couldn't understand whether the smell was coming from the apartment or from our basement." and "We thought they'd gone away to a monastery." Where were their friends! Why didn't anyone notice that there was no activity?
When Mom died, she was discovered within the day because someone was coming to check on her. Thank goodness she had friends who were concerned for her. But to go unnoticed for at least two years?
"How's life?" people often ask. Has anyone ever asked you, "How's death?" When I die (and yes, it's coming), I want people to notice. For the way to die is to live a good life. When that happens, the transition is so much easier. Death is not the end, it is the continuation of eternity that started with our relationsihp with God.
Perhaps I've rambled today. But I cannot fathom an isolated life. Let's strive to make an impact. Let's make sure we have those arm in arm with us to assist in this journey of life. And when it's all over, maybe we can ask, "How's death?" JW