I have finished the work
which you have given me to do.
—John 17:4
I have this advantage over most of my readers: I have officiated at several hundred funerals.
“That’s an advantage?” you ask.
Well, yes, it is. It’s far from pleasant—draining, in fact—but it reminds me of the things that really matter. Things that seemed so important yesterday lose their steam when you stand in a cemetery, gazing at grave markers.
You can turn my advantage to yours by asking, “When the hearse takes me on my last earthly ride, what will matter?”
Just before Jesus went to the Cross, he said to his Father, “I have finished the work which you have given me to do.” There’s nothing I would rather be able to say at the end of earthly life than that.
Evaluate your days in view of the final one.