As 2016 comes to a close and we welcome in 2017, a new year, I’m reminded that one day our life on earth will end and we will enter eternity and a new life.

This morning, I was thinking that most people spend more time making plans for a new year than they do preparing for eternal life.

A few years ago, I either read or heard a story about a Christian lady who was facing death.

She had lived a long, good life and was known to be a little particular about everything she was involved in, especially the small details.

The story goes that before she died, her pastor asked if there was anything he could do. She proceeded to tell him what songs she wanted at the funeral and requested that he share the salvation message at the service.

Before he left, she said, “Another thing I would like is that a fork be placed in my casket, so the people who view my body will wonder why the fork.”

The pastor, puzzled, asked why?

She then told the pastor that at most banquets, when the main course has been completed, the server will pick up the dishes and many times tell you to hold the fork, because the best (dessert) is yet to come.

“Pastor,” she said, “at my funeral I want you to tell the people that if they are prepared to enter eternity, the best is yet to come.”

I remember that story from years ago and still get excited when I think of it.

As we welcome in the New Year, I think it is important to make plans to become a better person.

My New Year resolution is not to exert more energy on my plans for the next year, but to be better prepared for my next life.

Note: This article is in memory of John McKnight who died Jan. 10, 2012. John attended our weekly men’s Bible sharing meetings. He battled cancer for a couple of years, suffered, but his wife, Ann, said he never complained. His request before his death was for Ann to place a fork in his top coat pocket at the wake.

If you have any questions or comments, please write Harold Keller at Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477 or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.