The Gift of Today

Sunday afternoon I was once again reminded that each day we have is a gift and that life is so very fragile. Donna and Stephanie called me to the hospital to pray with Donna's family as they faced a most difficult situation. Donna's sister, Janet, who just weeks ago stood up at Donna and Stephanie's Holy Union was brain dead and they had to decide what to do. Thank God, Janet had made her wishes known in her Living Will so even though it was hard, her family knew what she wanted. Additionally she was an organ donor so that process was explained to them and they prepared to say their good-byes. We stood around her bed and prayed and what a peace came upon that room. Facing death is so different when the person and their family have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. It was a blessing to share that moment with them. I thank God that we were all together recently for the Holy Union so they were familiar and comfortable with me.

Today I urge you to go ahead and take care of the paperwork needed so that when death comes your family will know what you want and they do not have to make difficult decisions at such a time of sorrow. Everyone needs a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney. If you wish to donate organs that should appear on your Driver's License. These are rights that everyone has, regardless of sexual orientation. The challenge is that in taking care of these legal documents we come face to face with our own mortality. I do not know anyone who enjoys that. The good news is that Jesus overcame death and so can we who believe in Him. Our lives on this earth are but a vapor. And when our time comes to leave this earth we have the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

How are you going to use this day? Make it count for no one knows when today will be their last.

On a lighter note, we will be gathering here Friday night at 7:30 for a costume party and dance. It's time to celebrate and we are so good at doing that. Even if you're not into costumes, come on out and look at those who are. I assure you, you will not be the only one.

Saturday night it's time to set our clocks back an hour. So before you go to bed say good-bye to Daylight Savings Time. Enjoy an extra hour of rest and I will see you in church on Sunday.