by Let’s face it. People do not like to think about or contemplate death. But the fact of the matter is simply this: we who are alive in mortal bodies are all slowly dying. The waxing and waning of our physical makeup is parabolic in a sense. We have a beginning and an end. Our days are numbered. The beats of our heart are finite with every breath gasping us closer to our last exhalation before we expire. The challenge is this: Only our Maker knows the expiration date on our models, when the batteries of life will terminate operations. Interestingly, as in batteries that are losing their charge, some give very little warning, while others blink or send us signals that indicate that the end is near.
Recently, those of us who remain have had the privilege of witnessing two relatively high profile lives expire under the reflective and somewhat glaring lights of the medium, where according to the world’s terms of relative success, they succeeded. But what is considered success? Shortened lives are often used to remind the survivors that there is always the opportunity to change no matter what political, sociological, or spiritual persuasion you embrace.
When it is all boiled down, Tim Russert, who died suddenly of a cardiac arrest, or Tony Snow, who expired after a long bout with terminal cancer, will both be remembered by their family, friends, peers, and those of us who caught glimpses of their character, intelligence, and talents, for their personal traits—as decent, caring, and loving human beings. When the accolades, eulogies, and epithets settle into memories, just exactly what will be remembered that will allow one and all to recognize and conclude that these products of the media they served lived successful lives?
It will not be the scintillating interviews or the insightful comments or the ability to shape opinions that we will remember. Rather, it will be the genuine recollection that these fallible men were kind, thoughtful, and loving, despite the relative heights of worldly success that others in their fishbowl profession jealously seek.
In many regards due to the testimonies of many witnesses, both claiming a faith in God through their Catholic lens, have found peace by leading lives that appear to line up with what God through the Prophet Micah recommends for all humanity to pursue. This advice from the ancient texts is simply the Maker’s required preferences for success in this life by doing what He considers “good”:
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
From the distant perspective of a casual observer who is attempting to follow these requirements, it seems that Tim and Tony not only understood these instructions, but for the most part encouraged by their actions—more so than their words—others to emulate them. If nothing else, their early departures have certainly given those who remain an opportunity to think about, if not consider, embracing these attributes.
Questions about life and death: the whys, the wheres, and the hows, punctuated with the unexpected or resigned yet exasperated what, will always plague humanity. After all, every one of us is going to have to experience the inevitable transition from physical life to bodily death. Our personal preparation for that moment may come by watching family or friends depart, or reading about lives lost by accidents, natural disasters, diseases, or wars. But ultimately, all must move beyond the shadow of death and leave the aging or broken carcass behind.
The question we each must ask is simply this: What will be on your lips with your last breath? Will you be able to praise the Creator understanding that it is by His will that you even existed? Most importantly, will you be confident that what He created you for has been accomplished? Will your legacy be one where those who bury you proclaim your loving kindness, your impassioned desire to seek justice, while recognizing that your approach to life exuded humility?
We all have death sentences. But those who believe that there is life beyond the grave can tender their bodies knowing that they have succeeded in being and doing all that they were created to be and do. In the case of these two men, making those who remain simply think about their ultimate destiny, may indeed be one of the primary reasons they ever existed.
If you believe in a Creator, let this time of reflection not be wasted while your battery still has a charge. Ask Him this piercing question: Why have You created me?
Furthermore, taking His advice as exemplified by these two who have preceded us—relinquish your will to His that you might do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly before Him until your scheduled departure date. Stand rest assured that beyond a shadow of doubt, your last breath is coming in just a matter of time!
