By: Sandy Bowen ~ Staff Contributing Ambassador & Writer
“David said, ‘My son Solomon is young. He’s never done anything like this before. The house that will be built for the Lord should be very grand and wonderful. All the nations should consider it to be famous and beautiful. I’ll get things ready for it.’ So, David got many things ready before he died.” I Chronicles 22:4
Life is full of transitions, from our birth to death. We transition from the safety of our mother’s womb to the bright lights of the birthing room, just as we do in our final days as we transition into the presence of the light of Christ.
Young families prepare for the birth of their child outfitting a special baby room with all of the trimmings; from cribs to diapers, rockers to wall hanging, baby showers to birthing classes. Every aspect of the needs of caring for a new life is on the mind of the family for months as they investigate the newest and greatest items that are deemed crucial for their baby’s care.
Just as King David set everything in place for his son, Solomon, to build the temple in Jerusalem before he died, we have the Indeed, we think of our retirement years with great anticipation, hoping to travel or spend more time on our special interests. Let us, also, consider the final years of life winding down or even suddenly ending with a well-thought-out plan and preparation.
Here are some things to consider:
- Be sure to get right with God. Eternity is a long time. Knowing Him now is crucial to live with Him forever.
- Next make sure you get right with others. Do you have fractures in your family, friends, or church? Seek God’s help in redeeming those relationships. Reach out with love and care for those who are distant to be in right relationship. This will give your final years a covering of peace.
- Bring order to your finances. Clear your debt, sell excess items (your children will be blessed not having to take care of items they won’t want), plan your funeral desires (pre-pay or purchase a funeral expense life insurance policy). Be willing to downsize, living in a smaller more manageable space will help you and your family when life gets tougher.
- Create a folder with all of your funeral desires, your will/trust information, your passcodes, your life insurance policies, and anything else family might need in caring for your final days.
- Discuss with family and put in writing your medical directives. Choose a power of durable attorney.
Just as David was able to die in peace knowing everything was in order for his dream of a temple for the Lord; you too can pass in peace knowing all is well with you, your family, and your estate.
Sandy grew up in Michigan then moved to Northern California in 1983 with her husband and three children. Currently, she resides in Mesa, AZ, living near her youngest daughter and foster grand-daughter. She has another daughter, a son, and four grandsons. Sandy is a retired elementary school teacher, retired ordained pastor, the author of Becoming a Living Sanctuary (www.becomingalivingsanctuary.com), online teacher of self-created curriculum on intimacy with God, discovering how you are uniquely created and specially made for a Kingdom Purpose. Her ministry is called Joyful Kingdom Living and includes a mentorship program. For more information: joyfulkingdomliving@ gmail.com.