"Finally, Others"
 by Raye McDonald 

 
If a doctor said to me, "You'll live one year at best",
                 I wonder how I'd live my life
                    before that final rest?

Would I plan my funeral and call my pastor in?
            Would I tell him EVERYTHING
                    to purge myself from sin?

Would I really search my soul to rid myself of me,
                and seek to live my final days
                          in authenticity?

Would I look at my talents and gifts, however large or small and 
                            lay them all out bare?
       Would I try to find creative ways to give them
                                 or to share?

Would I live life to the fullest, each and every day,
    and would I reach out in love to my family in
                        every possible way?

Would I let my friends into my life to share my pain;
               to pray and hold my hand, as
       I walked through the valley of darkness
               toward God's promised land?

And finally, would I learn to live for others, instead
                      of just for me?
Perhaps if I did just that, I'd meet God so
                          Peacefully.

*******

This poem was inspired by the sermons of Rev. Bill Murray, who is suffering
the ravages of ALS.  Please join me in walking with this man of God through
his darkness .  Help him keep his days full by writing him and giving him
your prayers. Bill is a courageous man. Send mail to [email protected].