TheDiscipleMD
The story is told of a kind couple who visited an elderly man in the hospital who was in his last hours of life. With death at the doorstep and no apparent hope, the woman visiting, trying to be kind, said to the dying man, “You have such nice hair.” To which he flatly replied, “Its useless!” He like many others who have been facing the inevitability of death, came to understand that some things in this life are, well..useless and unimportant. He knew that even though he had nice hair, it was of little consequence under the circumstance. His comely locks were not going to save his life.
Sadly, many of us go about spending our lives pursuing things that are eternally “useless.” There is nothing wrong with finding all the happiness we can in this life through worthy and righteous endeavors. Finding joy and happiness is certainly a purpose of this life, but it is not the primary goal because it is fleeting. I believe that “everlasting” joy and happiness can only be found in following the commandments and admonitions as taught by the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Found within his teachings are the ways and means by which all men and women can find lasting happiness. The Savior promised:
“If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.(John 15:10-11)
The fullness of joy, as expressed by the Savior, is something that we all should seek because it is endless. It is a happiness that will last beyond the grave. It is a joy that will consume our souls if we so desire. We live in a world that is constantly changing. New life comes into it each day; as does death. It is the cycle of life.
I too once had thick comely locks. My head was full of blond curls and waves that filled the barber’s floor. Today, when my hair falls around my feet at the salon, I can’t help but notice how thin it has gotten and the grayness of its color. But, as noted by the dying old man, it’s not the color or the thickness of it that stays with or saves us beyond the grave. No, it’s really what each of us has learned day by day while the follicles are changing texture and color.
And so it seems that the dying man expressed words of wisdom in his simple statement. For he knew, that all things of this world are of no value on the other side. Indeed!The Savior of the world said:
“I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
May we look to Him who is the Savior of the world! Even, Jesus Christ!