By Gina Caswell Kelly
Yesterday was a tough day around here. The kiddos at high school were greeted with a teacher who collapsed as she entered the building. Various people rushed to her aid and did CPR, but in the end, she did not survive. Kids were sent home and teachers went home. And that was that.
The reality is that was not all there was. There was much trauma involved. The teachers and coaches who did CPR until EMS got there were traumatized. The students who just happened to be standing there were traumatized. Those teachers who worked with her were traumatized. Those students who knew her were traumatized. Our town was traumatized. The visual of it all will be replayed over and over in minds for several days.
I spoke with the school superintendent this morning and he stated how pleased he was with how well everyone around responded. He said they all did what they were trained to do. “It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but it was awesome to see how everyone involved responded to the situation.”
Of course, my first thought was that I hope she knew Jesus. I was reassured by another teacher that this one who passed did indeed know the Savior. That made me smile. She is in heaven today with a completely healthy body and able to run and jump and praise God. What I have heard from kiddos is what a shock it is to see someone alive one day and gone the next. And that brings me to the point of this column.
We never know which day will be our last one on this earth. That teacher drove in with plans for the day, and was likely looking forward to a long weekend holiday. But none of that will happen for her. The fortunate thing is that she was prepared in life for her death. She knew Jesus. She had accepted Him into her heart. She accepted His free gift of grace and forgiveness. She served Him. We have to be ready to die knowing the Savior! But of great importance too, is living knowing the Savior!
Knowing Jesus and having Him living in your heart and mind is such comfort. You are never alone! His Holy Spirit is guiding you daily. He is standing by your side. He is listening to your concerns and worries. He is holding you close while you grieve. Do you know this Savior? Have you intentionally asked Him into your heart? Have you accepted His grace and forgiveness? Oh my goodness! If you haven’t, please don’t let another minute pass without doing this! I want you in heaven with me, for sure. But I so want you to know the joy of living with Him and for Him in each day of your life on earth. My sweet Carol gave me a shirt that simply says, “Living for the ‘Well done.'” And that is my plan to live my life each day waiting to hear Him say, “Well done.”
Please, please take some time to talk with the Savior today. Give Him your life. Give Him your all. It will make such a difference!
