The Ritual of Dying

After witnessing death so often, I have come to notice that many people often neglect an important part of this very natural part of life. Sudden, accidental death notwithstanding, the probability of one's imminent passing should engage us in the timeless ritual of dying so necessary to give final meaning and closure to our lives.

When death looms near we become obsessed with trying to squeeze out a few more days of "living" from our mortal bodies. In doing so we ignore the more important issues that need attention at this critical time:

1. Saying "Goodbye"

Death is separation and separations are softened when we are able to say farewell to those we love. Instead of wasting precious moments in urgent denial, it is usually more comforting to make sure that the ones we love are united for a possible last time.

2. Saying "I'm Sorry"

There may never be another chance to make things right - seize the opportunity. If there is to be a burial, make sure all the old "wounds" are buried too.

3. Saying "I Believe"

If you need to, and if you're willing, God still waits to hear from you. The door of death is a poor time for pride and disbelief.

As Christians, our departure from this world would be less foreboding if we added to our faith these necessary markers that would signal we're ready to go when the time to go is here.