Thanks for your patience as I took a break from blogging after my cancer experience. There was a lot to catch up on and so many thoughts to sort through.
One question I’ve been pondering is, “How do you live well?”
After receiving my diagnosis, the question that I wrestled with was, “How do you die well?” If dying from cancer would be my last lesson for my family and friends, then that lesson needed to be a grace-filled one.
I was recently sharing my cancer story with a large group of college students, and I asked them what attributes they thought were necessary for dying well. They quietly pondered the question, then offered these answers:
- Hope
- Faith
- Self control
- Perseverance
- Thankfulness
- Courage
- Grace
- Excitement
Their response gives some great insight. Pondering death has a way of clarifying what’s most important.
At a church planter’s conference in Orlando last week, we were told that in order for us to live well, God would “sift” those who are called to His purpose. He will sift us to develop a useful Christ-like character.
Ironically, the character traits they listed at the conference were very similar to the attributes on the list above from the college students.
Dying well and living well. In the end, there really shouldn’t be a difference.
love you dad. It was good to see an updated post on my blog list from you. =)
Ed, thanks once again for a thoughtful post. I had noticed no posts and could only pray. Now, as so many times before, I am enriched having read more godly perspective from a saint whose wisdom I’ve often sought. I just conducted a funeral for a saint who lived well and died well. She enriched many of our lives by sharing a book entitled “Jesus Calling” (author is Sarah Young). I am praying for you, Ed, that the LORD strengthens you to live well one day at a time. I truly hope this book might bless your journey as well!
Great post, Ed!
Ann….thanks for the affirmation. It’s good to be back.
Jerry,
Thanks for your very kind thoughts. I am touched. I am sorry for the slow response. My daughter was married this weekend so its been a very busy week.
I’ll try to pick the book up. I’m feeling perfectly normal with no symptoms of any kind. I am blessed.
I pray all is well for you too.
Warmly,
Ed
Patrick,
Thanks for the support. It’s good to hear from you.
Blessings,
Ed