We Have a Choice

We can choose to see death as a curse, a dark power that binds us and those we love in fear. Or we can, in the face of death, do what Christ empowers us to do: treasure the legacy—and memory—of a life lived well resulting in a good death. Through it all, we can anticipate heaven by keeping our eyes eternally fixed on the hope we have even amid our suffering.

My prayer for you and your loved ones is that you are encouraged and feel equipped to navigate any diagnosis. That you will not be afraid to take steps to prepare. That you will seek wisdom that gives you choices for what you want for yourself, rather than what others want.

A good death is not an event; it is a lifestyle. As covered in these pages, it is a mind, body, and soul lifestyle that enhances life and changes the meaning of death.

I hope you’ll be empowered to care for your mind, body, and soul while you work through these difficult moments.

• For your mind, find peace in gaining knowledge, having a plan for the expected and unexpected, diminishing the regrets you can change, and laying down those you cannot.
• For your body, decrease suffering by asking the right questions at the right time, engaging the right services at the right time, and making a plan for the practicalities of your care.
• For your soul, pray for faith and encouragement, rest in the comfort of God’s word, and be refreshed in the quiet of your Lord’s intimate presence. This daily practice will become the melody to help you praise your way home.

If we were together face to face, having a conversation about preparing for heaven, I’d end our time together with a prayer. I’d take your hands and bow my head, wherever we were, and petition the Father for your peace and for the peace of those you love. I invite you to lift your heart in prayer to the Father who guides, comforts, and leads home his children as they anticipate an eternity with Him.

Pray With Me

Father God, lead me toward peace for my mind, body, and soul as I choose bravery in the face of death. Show me how my choices today can bring peace for tomorrow.

Was this plan helpful? We adapted this plan from Anticipating Heaven: Spiritual Comfort and Practical Wisdom for Life's Final Chapters by Dr. Pamela Pyle. Check it out for more.