A Severe Mercy includes correspondence between its author Sheldon Vanauken and C. S. Lewis. In this portion, Lewis is advising the bereaving Vanauken about his late wife Jean:
Forgive me for suggesting that the form ‘what Jean would have liked’ could come to have its dangers.
The real question is what she wills now; and you may be sure her will is now one with God’s.
Now that my dad is gone, when my siblings and I have to make decisions concerning his estate, 
But sometimes, when I think it through, I think what Daddy might have answered then, and what Daddy would answer now, might not be the same thing.
For example, back then, he documented every penny he spent. But now, I’m guessing he wouldn’t see that detailed accountability as critically important after all.
I wish I could let go now of my own “back then” mindset, and live more frequently in an afterlife mindset.
What will matter to me once I’m in heaven?
Will I feel guilty that I ate an extra helping of peach cobbler on June 26, 2010? Or that I never cleaned my baseboards like they needed it? Or that I probably spent too much time reading this week instead of doing next year’s lesson plans?
I don’t think I’ll give those things a second thought then.
So neither should I now.
Set your minds on things that are above,
not on things that are on earth.
Colossians 3:2
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Read Stefani’s post, Unit #8 and her Partridge Family lunchbox, which, along with A Severe Mercy, sparked my thoughts. Read more inspirational posts at Charlotte and Ginger’s.
11 comments:
Yes, I agree with you. Let's think on thoughts above and be more heavenly minded. It's our destination and I love the pic of the suitcase!
When I was a young mama with hubby in college during the day and working evenings I listened to christian radio for company. They had an afternoon read aloud program and read A Severe Mercy once. I have never forgotten that.
I so enjoyed "A Sever Mercy" and was delighted when I saw it on your reading list, Lisa. Now that you have read it - 'tis nice to see your thoughts on it.
good post...when I'm focused on Him...everything goes so smoothly...your post made me realize I need to do that more...
We do focus on earthly things too much. Details that seem so important really aren't when you like at the scope of things! I am sure you are still grieving the loss of your father... so peace be with you. Taking care of an estate is a lot of responsibility. God will guide and direct you.
Very true, have you read the poem What Will Matter by Michael Josephson.
It reminded me of your post.
Sweet Blessings,
Virginia
Thanks for commenting on my blog....Yes, keeping our eyes on Jesus really does make a big difference in how we walk thruogh the good and the bad in our lives....God bless.
This is certainly something to think about. Things we think are so important now will be totally unimportant after we're gone from this life. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings,
Charlotte
This is a great post! It leaves me thinking.
God Bless,
Ginger
I was going to exercise this morning... but since I won't care when I get to heaven... (and actually may get there sooner if I DON'T exercise)... I think I'll not. Thanks for the wisdom! Ha ha. :-)
(P.S. I really did like this post!)
Good point, Brenda. ;-) I might use it in the morning when I don't want to get up and exercise.
But I'm guessing that even in heaven it will matter if we were good stewards of our gifts during our time on earth. So throw away those excuses and keep whipping that body into shape. :-)
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