On Dying

As I read the names of our deceased fellow alumni, I instinctively reflect on my own transience, and ponder on how my life, fleeting as a vapor (James 4:14 KJV) might have had any meaning at all in God’s overall economy. And as I contemplate on my dying day, as some of us may, I ruefully consider how I might be remembered both by friends and foes, and how might those I’ll be leaving behind revere my passing, or how my chapters may just be carelessly piled up and bookended into oblivion.

Looking back at my life, dying is more like coming to the end of a long arduous voyage. Nothing came easy as some may have the privilege of being high born or generously gifted. Dying for those of us who went through the rigors of finding his place in the sun is just mercifully arriving to his haven of rest; letting go the anchor, ringing the engine order telegraph finished with engines, and finally scribbling his last entry into the log.

There may be a few regrets. One could be that of not having fully enjoyed those sailing salad days, and sorely wanting for more.  Another might be at the pangs of having over-enjoyed and being fully sated from much of the ride, but losing his sense of purpose and direction. But the highest of regrets is having only lived a pointless and inadequate life.  Alas, regrets have no place for someone at the pre-departure area of life, at the crossroad to eternity. And as a weary traveler fidgeting with his tourist’s guide book (this time the Holy Bible), he hastily crams with facts and things about his desired destination, his ticket may not even guarantee an arrival thereto.

Steve Jobs before he died, in his commencement address at Stanford University, said the following about death, “No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because Death is very likely the single best invention of Life. It is Life's change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it is quite true.”

With the uncertainty of our ephemeral existence, I must do now what I have purposed in writing this note.  I now must ask for forgiveness while I’m still in full control of my faculty, and not at the last stages of my consciousness, before life ebbs into its final cessation. And so, with much remorse and with a contrite heart, I now say to those I have wronged, harmed and offended, particularly to those poor underclassmen, “I beg for your forgiveness.” In like manner, I have forgiven those who have wronged, hurt, and beleaguered me in and after the academy. As I abide in the Lord’s prayer, I no longer harbor any bitterness in my heart. I hold malice toward none, with only charity for all (to borrow a few lines from Abraham Lincoln’s inaugural address).

Finally, to those who worriedly contemplate on what lies beyond the pale, I say without a shadow of doubt that there is hope of a better life for those who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.  Even to the vilest of sinners is forgiveness made available. Consider the thief crucified beside the Lord in this passage in the Scriptures: And he said unto Jesus, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” And Jesus said unto him, “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:42-43 KJV.

On the lighter side, someone says the great thing about the dead is that they make space. Surely, there’ll be more elbowroom for the young and aspiring in our passing - less consumers being sustained by an almost depleted and rapidly becoming inhospitable planet. So lighten up shipmates, there’s not much anymore for those who’ve been there, and done that. But there’s newness of life beyond the horizon. Lets just make sure we do our part in making this world a better place for the next generations, so that they too, ala Louis Armstrong, can sing, “It’s a Wonderful World.”

Clear skies, fair winds, and following seas, ShiPMMAtes!