My Mum the realist...

I know I've mused about my mum  before. She is, at 85, a brilliant person. It hasn't always been warmth and sunshine between us. The day she threw a full bottle of milk at me was memorable, and deserved.I love her matter-of-factness. She is a realist. We live here and she lives way over there; that's just how God would have it to her. If she can do something she does it; if she can't do it, she doesn't. The other day she decided her front garden was a bit mangy so she ripped all the shrubs out, rang Cheryl, and is on track for a complete replanting. A month ago her poor sister said she'd  love to see the UK one last time  before she dies so mum, who doesn't like overseas travel much, arranged and paid for a three-week trip for them both. She has also taken to widowhood bravely, though I know she feels very isolated at times.  She's a game bird! I love and respect her.I am very fortunate to have a Christian mum who models the faith.She models the faith to me in other vital ways. She  believes the bible. She believes the bible about resurrection. She believes the here and now is not all there is - and she lives like it. She's busy giving my inheritance away to all and sundry. "Its only money," she says. She sent me a page with who is who last week: who her doctor, lawyer, accountant is, all the account numbers and so on. "Just in case you need them dear; I don't want to be any trouble."In her view there is a seamless transition between this world and the next.  She recently got my brother and me together with an official health professional and said, "While we are all together, I want us to understand exactly what my wishes are if I am in a state where I can't do it for myself."I was staggered to hear that less than one person in one hundred is proactive in communicating their wishes to family regarding their last days. It's off the record because we don't see death as good or even inevitable. I wonder if your faith makes any difference to you in this?As Christians we have new life in Christ now and then. Do you believe that and live like it? Why? Why not?Take time to read 1 Corinthians 15 right through. Take heart and courage and be prepared to be inspired. Perhaps you need to have "family chat" about some important issues?BlessingsMalcolm