’Tis the Season: Born to Die, day 3

…Contemplating what it means to follow Christ, born to die

I have been asking myself this question:  If I live my life today in light of knowing that death will come, what changes?

I have been finding some surprising answers.  When just my head asks this question, in an analytical, type-A sort of way, I come up with a to-do list.  I’d like to finish that book.  I’d like to visit Patagonia (long story).  I’d like my office to be clean and tidy (I fear that of all the things on the list, this is the one most unattainable!).

But when I bypass my brain and let me gut answers that question, I get a very different answer.  Slow down.  Enjoy the sunshine.  Breathe deep.  Sing.  Dance.  Play.

Thankfully God gave me both a brain and a gut (or “heart” should you prefer), and so I will pay attention to both.  Today, I will work towards finishing that first book, and write a few more pages of the second.  I might even check out places to go in Patagonia.  The office?  That can wait.  Because although today is a gloomy day, I will take time to watch the birds at the feeders.  I will drink a cup of coffee, not as I do most days, in front of my computer, never noticing how it tastes.  Instead, I will savor the flavors slowly.  I may even put on some music and dance around the living room, as long as no one is watching.

Why?  Because I am a follower of the child born to die, and I too will someday die, and I am invited to live into that grace-filled reality.