Wednesday 19 August 2009

Wisdom of the dead (1)

We don't like thinking about death. Why should we? After all, life will always go on and on without any unwanted interruption. Well, not quite. The parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:16-20) warns about the shortness of life and the unpredictability of death. It may not be a preferred subject of meditation, but when we do pause and ponder, those who die, especially our loved ones, can impart much wisdom to the living.

Nine years ago, I published a book for a dear friend, a well-loved woman who was passionate about God and people. Not long after From Trash to Treasure was published, we started to work on a second book, Treasures of Success. We never released the planned sequel because Ronke Sanusi went to be with the Lord before she could finish writing.

I remember the Sunday morning when the phone rang and the news was relayed. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I recalled the many times we had shared about purpose and destiny. I was grateful for playing a part in releasing From Trash to Treasure, and rededicated my life afresh to the reason why I am alive. I determined not to be indifferent to purpose, and to make a difference in God's Kingdom before death knocks on the door.

I have gone back to this portion from Ronke's book many times. Today, I am meditating on it once again:


I have since discovered that the greatest tragedy in life is not death but gravestones announcing unfulfilled potential. The other day I drove through a quiet cemetery in Columbus Ohio, and could not restrain myself from shaking my head as I saw children buried at the age of 12 and 15. The inscriptions on their grave was all they had to show for their lives - nothing more. I left the place so sad in my spirit, not because they died but because they did not live; they were buried with all they could have been. Right there and then I decided I will deprive the grave of all I have. I will die totally empty; I will exhaust my potential by maximising it here on earth before I sleep in the grave.
- From Trash to Treasure, page 60, 61


Lord, I will die empty. I will bless my world will all that you have put in me, Amen.

2 comments:

renachi renada 21 August 2009 at 14:48  

This is a truly awesome piece.

Not only does it put into perpective what should be the truth of the pursuit, if you like of the "symphonies" of our respective lives. These are the visions that God gives us, the dreams that we must pursue to confirm our belief in THE ONE, Who gives them. When we fail to go after them, delay, take them lightly or take them for granted, it's more or less like "throwing it back" in the face of God.

Would that we would all realise this and appreciate that what God puts in us is not to be hoarded, for what some people choose to refer to as "the after life!" They are to be shared - in this life - as a blessing to the world, affirming a deep appreciation for the gift of life. For, indeed, God created each and everyone for a purpose. And doth He not say that His Word concerning our lives shall not return to Him void!.

I speak to myself also, as i write ...submitting to being all that God has poured His breath in me to be and to do...

Thank you for sharing and may He continue to breathe into your writings to convey messages of wisdom to His people...AMEN

Tokunbo Emmanuel 21 August 2009 at 16:33  

Wow! "Throwing it back in the face of God." That really touches my heart. Are we not all guilty. Lord forgive! Whilst there is breathe, there is a chance.

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