Breath.
One breath.
One breath is that which keeps you alive.
What a mystery, O death.
Nothing makes one more aware of the breaths they take than watching another take their last one.
Nothing makes one more grateful for that breath.
What a mystery, O death.
In one moment its over.
Or so it seems.
What a mystery.
There is a story about a woman named Annie. She's old and dying. Annie is reminded of when she was pregnant with her son Johnny. Johnny and Annie had a "conversation" while he was in the womb. Johnny was afraid to come out. He was warm and comfortable where he was. He knew his surroundings. It felt wonderful. He was being well taken cared of.
Johnny did not know what it would be like to come out into the world. No idea what to expect. That is terrifying. Annie assured him that when it is time, he must come out. And his time was soon. And when it was time, it would be wonderful. She started to describe the beautiful scenes he'll see, the toys, he'll play with, the fun he'll have, but then she realized that Johnny had no idea what a puppy was, what a toy was, or what sunshine and grass were. She told Johnny that she can not explain how wonderful life will be for him when he's born--he must simply experience it. But she assured him that it will be wonderful. He will be safe. She will take care of him. And if he stays in the womb for longer than he should--it will turn out to be very bad.
How incredible it is to be born?
Can you imagine what an infant must experience in those first few moments?
Simply terrifying.
Then Annie had a conversation with Jesus. He let her know how similar her experience of death will be to Johnny's experience of being born. Jesus could not explain all the things Annie will see, do, and experience, but he promised her it would be wonderful. She would be more than safe. She simply needed to trust him and let go.
What a courageous thing to face death head-on-- and let go.
How terrifying.
One breath.
One moment.
What a mystery.
What a mystery for a Spirit to leave your presence and join another in the same instant.
What a mystery.
