It is defined as a list of things a person wants to achieve or experience before reaching a certain age or dying, but where did the phrase bucket list originate? Many would trace it back to the Middle Ages, when execution by hanging was common and the executioner would kick the bucket to consummate the death of the convicted. But no matter how the phrase originated, there is certainly no right or wrong way to compile an official bucket list, for that is a personal journey we all make independently. Some may want to rappel down a waterfall, while others who are less adventurous may be content to SEE a waterfall. Some may yearn to become a world-wide traveler, while other are more than happy to sit on a comfy back deck and enjoy the tranquility. I suppose for me, the bucket list entails living my life to the fullest with the hours God has given me on this good, green earth.
One year ago, I set about to complete an item on my personal bucket list, this journal. I have been blessed in my life; God has given me children. Those children are, apart from my salvation, the greatest gifts I have been given; I would willingly give my life for them. But as if that were not enough, I have had the sheer joy of holding in my arms, their children. If the Lord tarries His return, I will be long gone from this earth, basking in the sheer joy of Heaven, when those grandchildren grow and bear children of their own. I may never be afforded the opportunity to speak to them, to cuddle them in my arms, to lavish my love upon them. But I can encourage all of those who follow me on this adventure; I can share with them one important lesson learned during my long years of life, that their success is hinged upon their relationship with the One Who created them, the One Who died for them, the One Who loves them more than I ever could.
I could admonish them with the words of Joshua as he challenged his people to “choose you this day whom ye will serve…but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD,” or perhaps borrow words from the dying King David and charge them to “walk in his ways…keep his statutes…his judgments…his testimonies.” I could echo the apostle Paul and encourage them to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” or with aged Peter remind them to cast all their “care upon him, for he careth” so much for them. But if could only give one exhortation to my children, their children, and children to follow, I would borrow the words of the beloved apostle John and remind them of the love of Christ, for “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to by the propitiation for our sins.” I would say to them, I love you so much, but He loves you more! Seek Him, submit to Him, serve Him, and be satisfied in Him.
III John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Amen!