Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Escape (01/02/06)
-
TITLE: Terminal | Previous Challenge Entry
By
01/05/06 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
He had everything - a good job with a great income, a wife of forty five years to whom he had been faithful for all that time, and a family who adored him. The folk at church respected him and he was always being sought out by countless charities to spearhead the latest fundraiser.
Now he knew the end was near. He had hoped that it would have come later, that he could have enjoyed more time; after all, he had always taken good care of his body and his mind too, but accidents will happen and the multiple injuries had, in aggregate, proved too much for even his remarkably fit body.
“You would have survived any one of your injuries, Ted; even a couple probably, but the bomb did far too much damage. I’m surprised you’ve made it this far. Your organs are under too much pressure now, and I’m afraid they’re beginning to fail. We’re talking a couple of hours I’m afraid, perhaps even less. I’m so sorry…”
“It’s OK, doctor. I’ve had a good life and done all the good works I could, so there’s nothing to be afraid of.” He paused and reflected on the past. “No. I go to my rest with a clear conscience. Thank you for everything you’ve tried to do and don’t ever think you could have done more, I know you did all you could.” In his typical way Ted extended his hand to the doctor and, in shaking it, held on long enough for the respect, warmth and understanding he emanated to be palpable. Finally Ted asked if he could be propped up to say his goodbyes to his family with his head held high.
The next few hours were just as dignified, with Ted, as always, very much in control. It would be wrong to imagine there were no emotional moments, but Ted had always been good with emotions and managed to turn even the sadness and pain around so those with him would only remember the good things said and done. After two hours he was lapsing into unconsciousness but came round one last time to tell them that, if ever the instigators of the bombing were found, they should let them know he had always opposed the war and done what he could to raise funds to improve the lot of their people.
There was no trauma, no distressing death throes; Ted truly slipped away quietly and, even when the life spark had left him, his body looked as composed and noble as ever.
The light seemed overwhelming; true he could see some forms in the light, but they were indistinct and the voices seemed to enter his consciousness without actually being heard.
“He was a good man.”
“Yes and the records certainly show he did good in so many ways.”
“Then why….?”
“He did what he did in his own strength, on his own account, for his own reasons and to benefit himself and his family. He lost touch with reality and invented his own. He forgot to pray and became self-absorbed. He never came to spiritual maturity or discovered real holiness. Having tasted salvation he fell away into self-righteousness.”
“But there are no real sins to be held against him and he seems to have had a healing touch.”
“Look deeper. Look beyond the words and deeds in the book; look into the emptiness. Where is the Cross, where is the Fire, where is the closeness to God? No, my friend, this is not his home.”
“…how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” HEBREWS 2:3 (NIV)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.