A guy that I read frequently - Ed Stetzer - has written a great post about Last Letters. An old military tradition, the last letter was something soldiers wrote and left behind on the dock before heading off to war. It was a chance to pass on what was important in life. A chance to explain why they were willing to sacrifice so much to fight for others freedom.
You should read his post here and the letter a missionary lady wrote before giving her life for Jesus in Iraq: http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2009/08/my-last-letter.html
After thinking about it for a long time, I wrote a letter for my family. Anna has read this and one day my kids will also. But as a leader of a spiritual family, you get to listen in:
My Last Letter - Monday, August 10, 2009
Dear Anna, Mabry, Ty and Kara,
If you are reading this, it is because I am with Jesus. Because of His death on the cross in my place and His resurrection from the grave I am no living as I’d once only hoped. I’m living with Jesus. I know that you’d rather have me living with you now. And I know that you’re sad I won’t be there to see you grow to be the young woman and man God wants you to be.
Just remember, The Who is more important than that What. Jesus matters more than any thing you could ever buy or any award you could ever receive or any goal you could ever achieve. People are more important the that plans on your calendar. The relationships you have always matter more than the job you work. I hope you will experience as I have that “…everything [is] a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…” (Philippians 3:8).
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage, so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). My purpose for life has been to lift up the name of Jesus. On August 30, 1994, Jesus redeemed me for His glory. Though I have often faltered, God called me to preach His name in the spring of 1997. May you also pursue His glory above your own comfort.
Anna, know that God is at work in, through and around you. As you raise Mabry, Ty and Kara, as you bless people with your compassionate heart and as you use the skills God has given you to pursue the dreams He gives you. May your love for Jesus “abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight” (Philippians 1:9).
Mabry, may your passion and energy be the thing that sustains you as you seek to know Jesus. I believe God will change the world through you. I trust God will allow Philippians 3:10 to be true in your life – you are so tough and strong! Use those gifts to serve Jesus as you love others.
Ty, may you always know that you “can do everything through Him who gives you strength” (Philippians 4:13). You are my strong little man and I have prayed since you were young that you would be strong in Jesus. I believe God will make you a catalyst to start amazing things for His glory.
Kara, may you be true to your name and always bring the joy of the Lord with you. Philippians 4:4 & 5 says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” I believe you will bring hope and comfort to many in Jesus name.
Live for Jesus – full of joy and hope. He will wipe every tear away and one day soon I will see you again in the presence of Jesus.
Love,
Your husband and daddy,
Caleb.
COMMENT:
What would you write?
Better yet:Are you living a life that will inspire others should you die young?