Dying Well

Yesterday I visited a friend of mine who is dying. I did not know 12 years ago when we first met the direction the journey my life would take. We grew close though hard times. I worked to encourage him as we struggled though a building project at our church. He stood by me when things grew difficult in my life and I needed a friend.

He is now a pastor in his own church, yet still calls me his pastor. When he left to follow his call five years ago only God knew the path his life would take. Unless God intervenes, he has only a few weeks left. He has asked me to do his funeral. Life takes some amazing twists.

Was his life “successful?” The world would look at it and shake its head “No.” He left a good paying job, the town he grew up in, chasing some call half way over the country only to return somewhat broken.

I would ask another question. “Was his life fruitful?” I would shout out a loud “YES!” Over the course of his life hearts were touched, people were drawn to Jesus, and friendships were made. It seems to me that some of his most fruitful work is being done now. In the midst of his pain and dying he communicates a deep love for God. He has a joyous grasp of God’s grace. He told me that he is living his “bucket list.”

The fruit of his life germinates in the lives of those around him. Especially in the lives of those who are walking with him in the valley of the shadow of death. The fruit of God’s love takes root and grows in those who have been touched by him and his faith.

Through him I have learned more of what it means to take up our cross. When we take up our cross and die on it, our lives bear the greatest fruit. It is in our greatest weakness that God’s strength is perfected.

He has given me the gift of his faith and an understanding of what it means to die well.