A Letter From The Grave

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 

  

  

  We recently celebrated my granddaughter’s first birthday. Our daughter asked us all to write a letter to be read on my granddaughter’s eighteenth birthday. 

  To me it felt like a grim duty. While it is possible that I will still be alive seventeen years from now, I think it highly unlikely. Between my health issues, and my increasing age, I will be happy if I’m still around ten years from now. Seventeen years feels like a stretch. I realized I might be writing my granddaughter a letter and advice “beyond the grave” so to speak. 

  How does one pack a lifetime of love and advice into a single page letter? How can I influence my then grown grandchild? I admit I have been putting off the task as it seemed daunting to me, but I finally finished the letter. 

  In the letter I put both encouragements and cautions. I advised dependence upon God, and an optimistic outlook on life while being wary of its pitfalls. It was indeed a daunting task. Nevertheless, it may be one of the most important things I’ve ever written to a loved one. 

  What would you say to your loved ones if it were the last thing you would ever say? What advice, encouragement, guidance, and hope would you seed into the lives of those you love? 

  In a very real sense, the Bible is the “final letter” from God to lost humanity. Filled with warnings, wisdom, advice, and love, the Bible can influence the lives of all those willing to heed its advice.  

  Each and every day we live on this earth may be our last day. We have no guarantee of years or even days to come. Because of this fact, we must do our best today to leave not just a letter, but a life that positively influences those who come after us. Let us be known for our love, joy, hope, and faithfulness. Let us reflect Christ as our letter that lives well beyond the grave. 

  Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to represent You well on this earth. And guide us as we live a life to lead those who come after us. Amen.