How might you die? Possibly in the dark of night, possibly the light of day, but you will be dead, either way.

Death by accident or natural death as it is called? Know you not, because such a final moment cannot be known by the befallen.

Will you look good in your casket for all to see and mourn? Could it be that cremation will remove your look of scorn?

Will you be allowed to “take it with you”, or will you make your final journey empty-handed? The Grand Reaper knows the answer but he isn’t talking.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep." Each person needs to ask themselves, “Am I a Good Shepherd, or am I but a hired hand, when it comes time to care for my flock and protect them from the wolf?” Jesus said he would lay down His life for His flock, or a single sheep; are we willing to do the same? If we see the wolf coming, will we leave the sheep and flee? The analogy of this scripture applies to all who seek protection and guidance from us as their shepherd; this includes family and friends.

The Roanoke Times sometimes receives criticism about Editorial content that doesn’t satisfy everyone. How would you like it if the owner of a newspaper personally discarded letters to the editor submitted by people he or she didn’t like? How would you feel about a newspaper owner who wouldn’t publish an article from the local Chamber of Commerce that recognized a local business as their business of the month simply because he didn’t like the owner of the business?

I had a very good friend who died two years ago. He was an example to all as to how we should live our life. He was someone who willingly gave back to his community, helped many people to start businesses, urged the lost to come to church and find God, a good father and husband, he never spoke badly about anyone and did not have even one enemy. How many of us can lay claim to all of his attributes? I know I can’t and I seriously doubt that any of my other friends are able to match his qualities.