I recently returned from the burial of my oldest brother in Arlington National Cemetery. Like most families, we gathered together and told our stories about his life.
I had never heard two stories about my brother, Allan, a highly decorated pilot of the Vietnam War era.
After his first tour of duty, he returned to the States shaken. He noted that when a plane was disabled by enemy fire, most all of the pilots were able to eject safely, but they died or were captured because of their inabilities to land safely.
When he returned to the States, he was stationed near an Army base that had paratrooper training. He received permission to join the next class, and he graduated. He was a regular at the pistol range, and he read everything he could about his aircraft and asked endless questions. During his 437 combat missions in Southeast Asia, he ejected four times.
When he died, it was from natural causes. He was prepared to live, and he did.
I also didn't know that on every combat mission he carried with him a small aluminum cross. Allan prepared his spiritual life just as diligently as he did his life as the consummate warrior. His spiritual life was also important to him, and he was prepared by praying, including gathering together the pilots he was going to fly with on a mission for prayers. He read the Bible. His other favorite book was "God is My Co-pilot," and he believed it. He was spiritually prepared.
I remember going on trips with our parents and seeing those signs asking the Second Coming question, "Are you ready?" As a pastor, I know that many people aren't ready for a major life crises, including the death of a loved one or his or her mortal death. People tend to begin some questions with, "If I die." The right way to begin is "when I die." Being unprepared can have devastating emotional and spiritual consequences.
Being prepared can provide spiritual security and emotional balance that, as I have experienced, increase hope and joy of living each and every day to its fullest. Steven Covey wrote, "The best way to predict the future is to plan it."
Are you ready to live by being brave and to plan that time when you will die? I know that it is not an easy thing to do, and so does your pastor, who is ready to help you in your preparations. Many of us offer seminars on what I call "The Last Things."
If you don't have a church home, you can still attend these classes.
My next class will be at St. Theodore's on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m. You are also invited to worship with us at 8 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
I believe we are all called to be prepared to live life to its fullest and to be prepared to die with dignity. The last things are just as important as were the first mortal things -- our birth. Be prepared.
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Parks is rector of St. Theodore's Episcopal Church in Bella Vista. He can be reached by email to [email protected]. The opinions expressed in this column don't necessarily reflect the views of the newspaper.
Religion on 08/27/2014