Redeeming the time, because the days are evil – Ephesians 5:16
In an emotionally charged episode of Season 23, NCIS titled “All Good Things,” Director Leon Vance is assisted with the reality of his death by the appearance of a younger Ducky Mallard, who had passed in Season 21. While noticeably grieved, Vance is comforted by his friend’s assurance that: “You didn’t give up your life for nothing, dear boy. You saved your agency; your legacy will live on.” Alone, Vance ponders his life as a montage of memorable moments throughout his time on the series flashes by before walking peacefully towards the light.
Your final memories won’t be of the people who got on your nerves. They will be the memories that have made your life worth living. This was my takeaway from watching the referenced NCIS episode, and how important it is to cultivate a positive life. Apostle Paul encouraged such thinking in Philippians 4:8, which says: “whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report” thereby intentionally seeking to disengage from negativity. It’s a message further stressed in Ephesians 5:16.
While we can’t handpick every encounter and situation to our liking, we can strive to “redeem” our time when granted the choice to be selective. Since none of us knows if today is our last, let’s work towards making moments worth remembering during our final breaths.