Well said. Well Lived.

The other day at mass, Father spoke of a man nearing the end of life. When asked about his fear of death, the man responded, "I am not afraid of dying so much as I am afraid of not having lived well."

What a remarkable comment. Talk about food for thought. How many of us feel the same way?

Knowing we have tried to live a good life, we face the end with hope of being eternally at peace with God. But, even with the knowledge that we may get into heaven, there may still be something left to undone. There may be the letter left unwritten, the painting not quite finished, the chore not quite done, the word not yet spoken, the love not returned. What do we do with these unfinished parts of our lives? Who will pick up our tools and complete our tasks?

Right now I can think of dozens of things I need to do. There is the door that needs repair, the ceiling that needs touch up, the essays to be written and revised, the stories to tell, the cheeks to kiss, the fences to mend, the bridges to rebuild, the gates to unlock, the television to turn off and the family to love with all of my heart and all of my passion.

Finally, there is the confession to make, the one where I turn everything over to Jesus and ask for his forgiveness and his help in living right....and living well.