Christian Living

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If the final knock on the door of your life sounds today, are you truly ready to meet your Maker? Would you be able to say without a shadow of doubt that you maximized your God-given talents and are leaving behind a good legacy for your children�s children? Would you smile at the thought of the many lives you impacted? Or would you immediately fall on your knees in desperation and plead with the Lord to give you another chance to complete the divine assignments you swept under the mat of procrastination?

A friend once told me of her two aunties who were twin sisters. The older one was very cantankerous, malicious, unforgiving, and bitter like a shriveled lemon. She felt life had dealt her a blow she didn�t deserve, hence her constant nagging, grumbling, and penchant for picking a fight at the slightest provocation. She never saw any good in anyone but herself and her children. To add salt to the injury her character had already inflicted on her, she married and had four children for a man who abused, robbed, and almost killed her. Although she was warned by relatives and friends not to marry him, she went on with it because she was sure they didn�t want her to be happy. She saw them as jealous and bounced their cry for caution from her stubborn ears into a pit she labeled �pure nonsense.� By the time her husband from hell was through with her and moved on, her presence became unbearable. She spent many hours throwing pity parties and wearing out the ears of those who bothered to listen to her tales of woe.

Her twin sister was the complete opposite. She was cheerful, friendly, and a big giver whose heart and wallet accommodated the needs of many family members, friends, and strangers. After graduating from college and obtaining her first job, she began using her salary to look after her aged great-grandmother, the widows in her church, and a few orphans. In doing this, she met and married a wonderful husband who celebrated every day of their 40 years together. Their blissful union was blessed with two children of impressive educational, moral, and spiritual caliber. By the time she was in her sixties, she had made a remarkable difference in the lives of many people. From paying school fees to giving money, to opening incredible doors, paying rents, encouraging and praying for others, the stamp of her generosity was conspicuous in the life of her beneficiaries.

At the age of 75, both sisters died just one week apart. Can you guess which of the twins got a befitting burial and which one had a funeral that people were practically forced to attend? Can you guess the one who left a good name and a great legacy for her children�s children and the one who left unfinished quarrels, a pile of debts, and nothing as small as a pin for her children, much less her grandchildren?

During preparations for the younger sister�s burial, many people dipped their hands into their big or small pockets and blessed her children with cash and any service they could render. In her twin sister�s case, nobody gave a dime to her kids. Even the smiles they received from some relatives were wrapped in feigned sympathy.

The twins have run their race and are with their Maker. How are you running your race? Constantly fighting or striving to make life better for others? No matter how small or inconsequential your effort at making it better for others, see it as a deposit that will one day yield interest. We are called to serve others, and it should be a lifestyle for all of us. If you are wrapped in the �me, myself, and I� culture and trapped in the claws of procrastination, rest assured you are wasting valuable time.

No matter how small, just start with a million dollars� worth of determination. Feed the hungry, clothe the needy, pray for the persecuted and for those who persecute you, remember the poor, the widows and orphans and most especially always remember to do unto others what you want others to do unto you. The bottom line is if your presence doesn't make an impact, your absence won't make a difference. Make it count today!

May Oyairo is the publisher of MannaXPRESS. Visit www.mannaexpress.com for more inspiring articles and more.

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