By James Dobson, p. 295, Night Light, Multnomah Press, 2000.
Think about the people you love. Have you thanked them recently for what they mean to you? If the Lord called you home this evening, would you feel satisfied that you had told them everything you needed to say?
In the last months of my mother’s life, she had end-stage Parkinson’s disease and was unable to communicate or understand us. One day, however, the Lord granted us a reprieve. When Shirley and I visited the nursing home, my mother instantly recognized us, and I was able to thank her for being a good mother, for staying true to Jesus, and for sacrificing to put me through college. She smiled; she understood. I told her that my father was waiting for her in heaven and that Jesus would say “Well done! Thou good and faithful servant.” I prayed for her and thanked the Lord for her love in my life. She returned our love, and we said good-bye.
That was the last rational conversation I had with my mother, and I will always be thankful for those final moments together. In this temporary existence, we must always seize opportunities to communicate soul to soul. Cherish each moment with your partner, family, and friends. Tell them how important they are to you. Above all, live each day so that when the final call comes, Jesus will say “Well done! Thou good and faithful servant.”
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Philippians 1:3 — I thank my God every time I remember you.
Ephesians 5:15-16 — Be very careful, then, how you live– not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Matthew 25:21a — (Jesus said), “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!…”
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Dear Lord, thank You for all those in my family who you have given me to love and to cherish. May we never miss an opportunity to say the words that really count. Help us to live without regrets, always ready for the homeward call of Jesus. Amen. James Dobson (adapted)