(written 21 Aug 11)
People value some strange things, and often people care way too much about others whom they’ve never even met, but sometimes what is important to a certain person is indicative of real worth.
We read that a certain disciple, Tabitha, was known in her life for being “full of good works and almsdeeds” (Acts 9:36). To have such a reputation shows that she really did something useful in her life. As we read further we learn at least one thing specifically that Tabitha did. After she died, “all the widows stood by…weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which [she] had made, while she was with them.”
They cared. Those widows really cared. She had made clothing for them, and they wept while showing an apostle of the Lord how she had shown them charity. I'm confident that the widows loved her for more than the material gifts, also; they surely felt her love in other ways as well.
Would I have anyone weep for my loss? Would others care like that? Would my death be meaningful, and thus indicate that my life had been meaningful?
I think of my wife, who has sewed blessing dresses for so many newborn girls. Sometimes the mothers cry when they see the dresses. That shows that she, much like Tabitha, has done something meaningful.
Last thoughts for now:
My gifts to others probably won’t often be in the form of clothing, so they won't mourn my loss for that reason. Frankly, I don’t want to be mourned when I die. I want people to rejoice in the Plan of Salvation. I’d like it, though, to know that my life had meaning to others. I hope to serve others until they know I love them, and I hope that in return they love me.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
To Be Mourned After Death
Labels:
charity,
death,
joy,
meaning,
mourning,
Plan of Salvation,
reputation,
service,
Tabitha,
value
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