I recently read the book The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and watched the video of his last lecture on YouTube. Dr. Pausch was a Carnegie Mellon Professor who famously rose to the "last lecture" challenge around the same time he discovered he only had months to live after receiving the diagnosis of metastasized pancreatic cancer. His best-selling book centered on achieving dreams, and enabling others to achieve theirs.

Some of the millions who saw Dr. Pausch on YouTube and elsewhere wrote him letters or e-mail messages or posted messages on blogs. When a blog asked "What would you want to leave your family and friends with if you knew that you were giving your last life lesson?" some said he inspired them to quit feeling sorry for themselves, or to move on from divorces, or to pay more attention to their families. One woman said the video gave her the strength to escape an abusive relationship; others said they decided not to commit suicide because of it.

What words of wisdom would you want to leave your family and friends with if you knew that you were giving your last life lesson? Would you want them to know some advice concerning life or would you impart with them a everlasting gift, a lesson on spiritual matters?

If we look at the life of Moses, we see that right before his death he pronounced a blessing on the people he had come to know during the 40 years of travel they had experienced together. Throughout that journey in the wilderness, he was a role-model of his faith. Even during those times of blunders and failures, he showed to others his humanness, he admitted it, and personally showed the people the relationship he had with God and the forgiveness he received.

David was another individual who, though he walked with God, also had some missteps along the way that many today still emulate. And yet, he didn't hide and forget that he was a redeemed child of God; something he shared with his family, friends, and even the people he ruled.

And who can forget Christ's last words as He hung dying on a cross, being mocked by many, feeling the weight of the world on His shoulders. How easy it could have been to give this advice to all of us: Forget it; I'm tired of this nonsense! How grateful we are that He didn't give up on us. The promise of eternal life is there, waiting for us to accept, no strings attached.

In his book and in the video, Dr. Pausch gave a lot of practical advice, yet avoiding spiritual and religious matters. Just think of the impact he could have made if he had spent some time talking about a relationship with his Maker, his Savior, and his Comforter!

Do you firmly believe and trust in a faith that rests solely on Christ's work of redemption? If you can say that with all boldness and confidence, wouldn't you want to share that? I encourage you to not wait until your life's journey is almost complete. Pray that as you rest in the assurance of Christ's work for you, you'll continue to seek guidance and strength from the Holy Spirit to go forth and share that news with your family and friends.

Enjoying the ride,

Jane