It’s been five years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I’m thankful to report I now have a clean bill of health. My life has been forever changed; I’ve realized how fragile my life is; my next breath may be my last.

I recently participated in a study at my church called Living Fully, Dying Well, based on a book by Rueben Job. Rev. Job is a retired United Methodist Bishop and observes that people die just about the same way that they live.

Those who are at peace with God and seek to live in harmony with Him, die at peace with God and in harmony with Him, too. “They are the persons who have realized that they have never lived outside of God’s loving presence, even though they may have often forgotten that they were in God’s presence….Therefore, the very young and very old, held in the strong arms of God, find life good and fulfilling. Contentment, peace, joy, and hope blossom and bear the fruit of confidence, assurance, trust, and service to the world, and that is a life fully lived.”

I’ve just completed the details for my funeral. Not that I plan on dying anytime soon, but God may have a different plan! I grew up singing a hymn, The Servant Song and I’ve requested it be sung at my funeral. I hope it is a fitting attribute of my life.

I pray that you and I will understand that to Live Life Fully, we must be servants to each other, just as Christ is to us.

Blessings,

Agatha

 

The Servant Song

by Richard Gillard

 

Will you let me be your servant,

Let me be as Christ to you,

Pray that I might have the grace

To let you be my servant, too.

 

We are pilgrims on a journey,

We are brothers on the road,

We are here to help each other

Walk the mile and bear the load.

 

I will hold the Christ-light for you,

In the night time of your fear,

I will hold my hand out to you

Speak the peace you long to hear.

 

I will weep when you are weeping,

When you laugh, I'll laugh with you,

I will share your joy and sorrow

Till we've seen this journey through.

 

When we sing to God in heaven,

We shall find such harmony,

Born of all we've known together

Of Christ's love and agony.

 

 

c. 1977, Scripture in Song

Servant Song-(click here for MP3 file)