2nd Thoughts by Ryon

In his book "Choosing to Live" my friend Jerry Campbell reflects on his journey through the process of grief following his wife Veta's passing away. In the process of his grief, Jerry remembered a dream he had two decades before:

"I dreamed that I was sleeping when a messenger from God appeared before me.  The messenger wore a long, brown robe with a large cowl.  I could not see the messenger's face. Suddenly I became aware of the messenger addressing me with a question . . . 'What is the most brilliant and important characteristic given to humans?' Without pause the answer jarred me wide awake! 'Death.'"


Death is a great motivator. To know that we are dust and that to dust we shall return brings to us consciousness. We are vulnerable. It is a dangerous world. There are snakes out there. And we are running out of time.

To know that we will die is the first lesson in knowing what it is to live. And to those who use that knowledge -- to love and serve and spend time and build up treasure where treasure has ultimate meaning -- it is a great blessing. The blessing of knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed awakens is to the blessing of today.

After Jerry was awakened by his dream he says he made his way to the bathroom, reflecting on the meaning of the night visitation he wrote in his journal. "Humans are born to die; death is the boundary that gives meaning and urgency to life . . . I know it was a dream, but I can't shake the feeling that God has sent me a message."

Ryon Price, Pastor, 2nd Baptist, Lubbock