I heard a poem today that I don’t really like. And since it was bothering me, I’ve decided to write about it. It takes more nerve than I usually have but I’m going to do it. The poem is entitled “Tomorrow Never Comes.” With all due respect and sympathy to the man who lost his wife in an airplane accident, I still want to just differ with a few of the ideas. I hope I don’t seem too hard-hearted.
It’s in the November 2007 Ensign on page 75. I’m going to quote a bit from it and then state my views.
“If I knew this would be the last time I saw you sleep, I would hug you tighter….” I don’t like living in fear-I don’t even want to think that. Faith tells me that it isn’t ever going to be the last time I see my loved one. Life doesn’t end in this life. We will see our loved ones again. Life doesn’t end ever.
“If I knew…I would plead with the Lord to protect you….” I do pray every day for my loved ones to be protected. I think it makes a difference. But I also know that we do all get to leave this life when the Lord sees fit. I’m not in any hurry for myself or my loved ones to go on…so that’s why I pray for protection.
“If I knew…I would be by your side, spending the day with you instead of thinking, ‘Well, I’m sure other opportunities will come…” Well, in fact other opportunities do come almost always, even in this life. The odds are in our favor. “And we would have a second chance to do things right.” In fact, we all have lots of second chances–repentance is a gift from God. There will be a day to revise things!
“…and the future might not come!” I think the future will be wonderful. Of course it will come! Part of it may not be what we think we want but even if we have to endure some really tough things, there is a wonderful future for us! A loving Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ see to that.
I’m glad I don’t know when. That wouldn’t work for me. I like it the way it is.
January 27, 2008 at 5:23 pm
I agree with everything you said. and I’m also with you, that it is better not to know when this life on earth will end, just live as best we can each day ‘knowing’ that we never know. Say “I Love you” to those you love, and be as kind to others as we can be. Try to live as happy a life as you can, and yes it will be a happy day when we see our loved ones again, that have preceded us in death. I’m very thankful that we know this to be true. It makes our life, and the death of our loved ones easier to take. Thanks for the thoughts you brought to my mind. I certainly love you very much, Barbs
January 27, 2008 at 11:14 pm
Mom, I really like what you said, too. You have an optimistic, faith-filled outlook. I agree, we ought to make the fullest of our time with our loved ones, and love them as much as we can, but we shouldn’t have to live in fear. The time will come for each of us, and there is no way to be completely prepared for that, even if we did everything perfectly.
I really like the point you made that “Life doesn’t end in this life. We will see our loved ones again. Life doesn’t end ever.”
That is so comforting!
I love you, Mom!
January 27, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Barbs: Thank you for completing my message–about just living the best we can and telling those we love that we love them, being kind, and being as happy as we can. I sure do love you!
Holly: Thank you, too. Your comment reminds me of President Hinkley. What an optimist he was! He is with his beloved wife now. I am happy for him but I miss him now. I love you, little lady!
February 2, 2008 at 9:57 am
really good one and thanks for it.