Death's Lesson

Death’s Lesson

Sitting in the parlor on a night of cold and drear,

In front of a crackling fire, the Good Book ever near

I began to feel upon me a heavy, unearthly haze

And looking up, I was met by Death’s silent, even gaze.

Clutching to my Bible, my eyes narrowed as I said,

“Death?  What are you doing here?  I’ve not taken to my bed.  My health is quite good, not an ache or pain you’ll see.  And my age is in my favor, or at least it is to me.  So, why Death are you here now?  Why are you bothering me?”

Death regarded me for a moment, simple was his reply:

“It matters not if you are well or sick, aged or young you see.  When your time is up, it’s over, and you come away with me. “

Putting down my Bible, I regarded Death in disbelief.

“You are coming for me now?  Why sir, this cannot be!  So many things I haven’t done, so much I long to do!  And none of that will be possible if I come away with you! “

Death didn’t seem to notice, or even really care.  “There is no validity to your argument, you don’t have a say.  The Lord has sent me for you, there is no other way. “

Death slowly stood and calmly said to me, “I fear you do not understand, this is not about you or me.  It’s about being ready when the Lord says it’s your time, for if he left it up to us we would never die. “

Bewildered, I stared at Death as he drew ever near

And reached out his bony hand, making it all quite clear.  “I didn’t know,” I told him, “How I could I know it be today?  So many things I would have done so many things I’d say!”

Taking my hand in his Death never raised his voice, just told me, “My friend, your life is your choice.  Everyone gets only so much time, and what you do is yours to say.  But know that nothing is promised – it’s a gift that goes away.”

“Use your time here wisely, for you don’t know when it will end and death will come to take you Home to Him again.”