Keys to the Kingdom
By Carolyn Tucker
Two Pennies and a Nickel
My normal routine is to go to my late-husband’s grave every winter, spring, summer, and fall, in addition to other special dates, to switch out the floral arrangements. He died on 02-21-2021, exactly two weeks after my 63rd birthday. Sometime later that year I found a nickel on his headstone. I knew someone had placed it there on purpose so I left it there. Four years later, I noticed two pennies had been added. My heart was warmed as I examined them and took note of the years: 2014 and 2018. I suppose the dates meant nothing to the individual who thoughtfully placed them there, but Jimmy was diagnosed in 2014 and 2018 was our last family vacation at our favorite spot in Gulf Shores, Alabama. People leave coins on a headstone to demonstrate that the departed are loved, appreciated, and respected long after their passing. The language of coins left on a loved one’s headstone is a time-honored tradition. I don’t have words to say what these coins mean to me — only tears.
It is a reality that one day we’re all going to exit this world one way or another. “And because by God’s law, death comes to men once and after that they are judged“ (Hebrews 9:27 BBE). When our appointed time comes, we won’t be taking anything with us, but we will leave our testimony and legacy behind. The most important thing we will ever do is accept Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. And after that, it’s all about how we loved and lived like Jesus told us.
The words and music to “All That Really Matters,” written by Marcia Henry and recorded by Jeff & Sheri Easter, really sums up life in a few short words: “They’re talking about him, he isn’t even there. His best friends and family, what a way to show they care. Haven’t mentioned his money or the kind of clothes he wore. But they say he loved his family and he proudly served the Lord. All that really matters when it’s all said and done, all that really matters when your time to go has come — Did you know Jesus, and show Him to anyone?”
Jesus is the best at presenting a straightforward message; the parable of the rich fool is no exception: “Then He [Jesus] told them a story: A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don‘t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I‘ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I‘ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I‘ll sit back and say to myself, ‘My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?‘ Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” (Luke 12:16-21 NLT).
Jesus is not speaking against being wealthy; he’s telling us to be wise in handling our abundance. And He’s advising us to work at keeping our priorities straight by daily walking with God like Enoch and being God‘s friend like Abraham.
The Key: What we do while living affects our best friends and family forever. Think about that.