Giving Your Life

Paul reminds us that not many will lay down their lives for others, even for those we love. Yet Jesus died for the ungodly who deserved condemnation. The Lord described his earthly purpose as "seeking the lost." He reminded us that there is no greater love than to die for our friends (John 15:13). He then demonstrated that love by dying for those who deserved it least (Romans 5:8).

For what are we giving our lives? Are we spending our limited moments and energies to acquire temporary trinkets that will pass away? Are we giving our lives to serve God and fellow man? It seems that the activities that garner the most of our time and effort are what we are exchanging for our lives.

I have a friend who is in the twilight years of this life. He gets up every morning for one purpose these days. His wife of over 55 years has the dreaded Alzheimer disease. This sweet man gets up fixes her breakfast, bathes her, dresses her and gets his wife ready for the day. Most days are a struggle for both of them because she doesn't remember who he is. She is afraid of him and is embarrassed needing his help bathing and dressing. Many days this man has no time for himself. His hours are filled with service to a woman he gave his life to over half a century ago.

He recalls the days that she gave her life to tending babies, making a home and building a family. These memories woven deep in his being provide all the motivation he needs to continue giving his remaining days to serving her. Sadness fills many of his moments. But the joy of giving paints a cheerful demeanor on most every hour he spends with his beloved wife.

I am reminded of a song that Kathy Matea sang several years ago. It depicted the type of devotion and giving we're talking about. In those lyrics rings the heart rending suffering of separation brought about by illness and loss of memory. In the end there was a happy reunion as Clair in a lucid moment remembers her dear Edwin. My friend looks forward to those oasis moments when his wife is aware of the present and they spend those precious times enjoying their life-long commitment to giving their lives to each other.

Giving your life hurts. It involves dying to yourself and living for someone else. However, doing so brings a depth of joy that nothing else can provide.