Chris had five and a half months between his cancer diagnosis and his death, and Chris made much of that time. He met with many of his best friends, even though they lived in different states. He started a friendship with his pastor. He spent one-on-one time with both his immediate and extended family, telling them regularly that he loved them. And, perhaps most importantly, he specifically focused on leaving a legacy of faith for his children.
In fact, several days before he died, Chris asked his wife to promise him that she would keep their three young kids in church and make sure that they were introduced to Jesus. He knew he was going to heaven and wanted to be able to see his family again...and she agreed.
At the funeral, rather than speeches full of regret, person after person took the stage and spoke about conversations that did happen. They shared words that were said. They relayed moments that were had. While there was plenty of sadness, you could tell there was still joy. Remarkable joy. Chris had made it pretty easy.
I'm certainly not asking for a terminal diagnosis (far from it), but I do wish that I could live as if I had one. I want the sense of urgency that Chris had. I want my priorities to reflect the brevity of life rather than the vanity of it. I want to be able to wholeheartedly focus on my faith and my family and my friends, without letting the temporal crowd out the eternal.
Life, in and of itself, is terminal. And while I am saddened by Chris' death, I am rejoicing that (in the process) he helped me (and many, many others) learn how to truly live.
Tim, the truth is, we are all terminal. one thing we all have in common is that after we are born we are sure to die. this does not mean we will cease to exist, but to exist eternally instead of naturally. so my friend, please feel free to start living like you are terminal, because you are. this should make it easier for us as Christians to live the Christ filled life, knowing this is just a tabernacle and we are sure to be moving on up to a better way of life in Christ Jesus.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Tim. That was an amazing service that paid tribute to an extraordinary life and showcased a network of faith, friends, and family that is as good as it gets!
ReplyDeleteMy son, Chris, and another Christian young man were all three diagnosed with cancer at the same time. It is difficult to understand God's timeline for our earthly bodies. However, the Craigs have lived their faith for all the world to see. God bless them, keep them, and His face is shining through them.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that the whole Craig family, and extended family did a remarkable job with his visitation and Celebration of Life. Kudos to them for seeing the Glory of Chris's passing into eternal life.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. So sorry for your loss. I lost a friend last year (also 35) to breast cancer. They had a similar service, and I think it is a great idea. Focus on the celebration of that person's life. It has definitely made me learn to appreciate every day, and try to live in the present. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWe did a similar thing for my grandmas death. Most of the service was remembering being there and the way she took care of every person who came into her house. We remebered how she lived the best Christian life ive ever seen. I think this made her loss significantly easier because we were all 100% sure that she was going to heaven and is in heaven. I think if services were more like that, people would heal faster
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