In the Bible, Mark 13:32-33, Jesus reminds his followers that “…no one… know(s) when the time (end of the world) is.” But this does not stop people from offering their beliefs about this cataclysmic occurrence. There are those called doomsday ‘preppers’ who are absolutely sure of the timing of the event and even have convinced their followers to believe in the Great Happening.
I thought about this recently when I read of the reported unearthing of an ancient Mayan calendar that some believe offers a doomsday date: December 21, 2012. Are you prepared for this Saturday surprise? Will you be ready just in case?
Joking aside, this caused me to think of what affect this would have on those should they actually BELIEVE that this would really happen, believing it to be a sure thing such as a birthday, April Fools’ day or Christmas. What would we do knowing that time was in short supply, that there would be no need for a 2013 calendar. I can imagine a few ways I might spend my remaining time. But I will confine my thoughts to one geographical area: the 407 square miles of Dillon County. There would be no wish to visit Paris, Rome, Bali, the USC Horseshoe in Columbia or Cherry Brook in Boone, NC. So what would be some of the in-county highlights that I might want to experience while waiting for the final tick of the clock? Here are ten. I might ask just what you would do?
1. The question was asked, “What would you do if you knew your life were to end at a precise date?” The answer given was, “Nothing.” It was not a note of resignation but rather one that expressed his belief that his role in the afterlife was assured. Maybe that is the best answer after all. This reminds me of the joke about a man who stated that he was absolutely sure when an acquaintance of his would die. The listener questioned the statement asking who informed him of the date. The answer: The Judge who sentenced him.
2. The last few years of my life have been spent visiting in nursing homes and seeing special friends. It was time well spent. Many of those I know are already waiting for the bell to toll; others I knew have already answered The Call. There would be my one last round of visits.
3. One night would be spent in the Four-Star Latta Bed and Breakfast showplace, unique in the state and most unlikely even to exist in this county. I would savor the fare and enjoy the accommodations thinking this might be a preview of things to come Up There.
4. Most Christians read the Bible and have favorite passages many of which are marked. I would review and contemplate some of the personal selections including the 8th Psalm.
5. Remembering my boyhood summer days swimming at Moccasin Bluff on the Little Pee Dee, I would sit on its bank at dusk and reminisce…
6. I have hundreds or photographs made over a quarter of a century, I would sit in my easy chair and turn the album pages slowly and recall the people, places and events.
7.Only one school I attended as a boy still stands. I would walk its halls, climb the steps, sit in the old library and visit Miss Owens’ eighth grade English classroom.
8. Two churches I attended as a member would be on my list to visit and to sit in their pews quietly. One last pilgrimage would be made to historic Little Pee Presbyterian Church (USA).
9. I have played the piano for at last 70 years. I would select and play favorite music that reminded me of days gone by. “My Funny Valentine” would undoubtedly bring tears as I anticipated being with My Valentine again, forever.
10. I would hold the framed picture of the eleven members of the E. P. and Katie Elkins Lee family and thank my Maker for my being a member of this family, an unparalleled blessing.
I would retire satisfied, say my prayers and have the Blessed Assurance that I was safe and going Home “just beyond the river.” … forever.
And you . . . ?
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Bill Lee
P.O. Box 128
Hamer, SC 29547
