You Have Only A Few Days To Live
The Doctor's voice was kind and sympathetic, but definite. "You have an incurable disease. You have only a few more days to live. I'm sorry, but I knew you would want to know." I said, "Thank you, doctor, for telling me. I did want to know."
I walked out of the office with these thoughts flashing through my mind in this order. Is there anyone in the world who thinks I have done them wrong that I should see? I wish I had taken that insurance the last time the salesman was in the office. Do I have all my papers in order so my wife will not be unduly bothered and confused? I must tell my boys again, and all the other boys I know, the thrill and joy it is to be a preacher of the gospel. Maybe it will be more impressive now. One other thing I must do quickly. I must write the congregations in which I have preached and tell them that those who may decide to honor my memory with flowers would please me more by sending their gift to CHILD, Inc., a camp for Bible study, of which I am a director. I will ask that a wreath be made of the envelopes for this instead of ordinary flowers.
I awakened with a pain in my head, which may have caused the dream. I set up in bed and looked at the luminous dial of my watch. It was 4 A. M. I did not feel like sleeping, so I came to work, as I often do. But as I came, I asked myself, "If it were true, would I do what I dreamed I would? Would my thoughts have come in the same order?" I do not know in what order my thoughts would come, but I am sure my dream for CHILD Inc., was caused by the immediate concern of raising money and getting funds for needy children to attend. Although I am very much concerned with it, and am supporting it, I think my request to those who might want to send something in my honor would be "Send a check to the church in support of our mission program." As important as I think CHILD, Inc., may be in its field, it is still not the Lord's church. There are arguments for and against sending flowers at funerals, and have been for many years. I have no objection to others doing it, but for mine, I would rather the money would be put for an eternal purpose.
— Box 135, Manchester, Tenn.