So yeah. Yesterday was my birthday. (It was awesome, by the way. Thanks to everyone who shared the love with me!)
But as I welcomed this new year of my life, I spent some time reflecting, where I have been, where I am now, where I am going. God has directed my path, and I couldn’t help but think of one of my favorite poems. You might have heard of it: It’s called “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. I have read it and/or watched it many times, but every time it still gives me goosebumps.
To get the true impact of this fantastic poem, check out the following video link:
Awesome huh? I will give you a moment to collect yourself.
I have also heard a few different versions of the following story, which is great perspective shifter when it comes to living our lives with all we have for Christ.
A woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and given three months to live. She asked her Pastor to come to her home to discuss her final wishes. She told him which songs she wanted sung at her funeral, and what scriptures she wanted read, and which outfit she wanted to be buried in. Then she said, “One more thing… I want to be buried with a fork in my hand.” The pastor was surprised.
The woman explained, “In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably say to everyone, ‘Keep your fork.’ It was my favorite time of the dinner, because I knew something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep dish apple pie – something wonderful. So, I want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and wonder, “What’s with the fork?” Then, I want you to tell them, “Keep your fork, because the best is yet to come.”
The pastor’s eyes welled up with tears of joy as he bid the woman goodbye. He realized she had a better grasp of heaven than he did, and knew something better was coming. At the funeral, when people asked him why she was holding a fork, the pastor told them of the conversation he had with the woman before she died. He said he could not stop thinking about the fork, and knew they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.
“Keep Your Fork. The best is yet to come.”
This post isn’t meant to be a Debbie Downer. For me, it’s uplifting and exciting! Life is short and that’s ok! We will someday get to be WITH HIM!! God gives us a limited time on this earth to fulfill His purpose. Live for Him. He won’t let you down and will empower you to make the most of your DASH. And make sure you keep your fork… Because the best IS yet to come.
Doing the Dash with a fork in my hand,
SGK
“Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5
