March: On Death

March 19

Today's reflection was inspired by the Flogging Molly song "If I Ever Leave This World Alive."

It’s a nice thought to think that if you ever leave before your loved ones that you’d have the chance to still thank them for everything they did for you. It’s lovely to think that you’d be able to come back and sit beside their feet—to take their sorrow and be there when they just can’t take anymore of the pain and suffering and sadness the world has to offer. 

It’s nice to think it, nice to hope it, but the truth is, you just don’t know. 

This time, now, could be all you ever get. You might as well treat it like it is. 

So before you go, make sure you tell them now just how thankful you are for them. Make sure you take the sadness you’re able to now for them. Be there while you can—when things get weird . . . and before you leave this world.

• Reflection title: Do It While You’re Alive
• Creative inspiration: Flogging Molly, "If I Ever Leave This World Alive"
• Reflection Question: While I’m still here today, who should I thank for all of the things they’ve done for me? Who needs me to be there for them now?