Are You Ready?
Well, bless my stars, friend, pull on up a comfortable rocker and sit for a little spell, ’cause this here’s one of those stories that sneaks up on your heart the way the delicious aroma of a warm apple pie comes ‘a-sneakin’ up on your good intentions. When we put God first, right up there where He belongs, life starts makin’ a whole lot more sense. Suddenly the folks God places in our path look less like irritations and more like blessings with elbows.
Take ‘ole King Hezekiah, one day he’s mindin’ his royal business, probably enjoyin’ a quiet moment, when Isaiah walks in and says, “King, the Lord says you’d best get your affairs in order. You’re not recoverin’ from this one” (2 Kings 20:1). Now that’ll sober a person up faster than a swig of mystery punch at a church potluck.
Over the years, as a chaplain, friend, or family, standin’ beside many a bedside and graveside, I’ve noticed something. When time gets short, folks don’t ask for their résumé, their trophies, or their bank statements. Three things rise to the top like cream in fresh milk: faith, family, and friends.
Faith comes first. I’ve heard more than one person whisper, “I wish I’d walked closer with God.” It’s a mighty heavy thing to realize you spent your life chasin’ distractions when you should’ve been followin’ the Shepherd.
Second comes family. Nobody reaches the finish line sayin’, “Sure wish I’d spent more time at the office.” Not a single soul. What matters is whether you loved your people well, whether you gave ’em the best of your time instead of whatever scraps were left over.
And then there’s friends. The good ones don’t just sit on the porch with you. They help you grow, nudge you toward love and good works, and occasionally keep you from doin’ something you’d regret.
Isaiah’s words to Hezekiah echo through the years: “Set your affairs in order.” Not out of fear, but out of wisdom. None of us knows how many sunrises we’ve got left, but we do know what matters.
Lord, guide my heart to seek You first, to honor my family, and to be a faithful friend. May my life reflect Your love so I’m ready to meet You with joy and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
So, maybe today’s a good day to check your priorities, hug your people tighter, walk with God closer, and encourage your friends stronger. Live like that long enough, and one day you just might hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
With joy,
Gwen
