Preparing for the important things

Rita holds especially fond memories of her eighth-grade graduation -- particularly the hoopla surrounding the kind of dress she would wear. It would be an awesome event, and she had to prepare for it.

She remembers her mother's enthusiasm at choosing just the right garment. Mom seemed more excited than Rita. They decided on a white dress; all the girls in the class planned to wear white dresses that year. The ceremony and what it signified meant a lot to Rita. "It was a rite of passage," she said.

For some students, unfortunately, this would be the end of their education. They would not attend high school.

Rita knew she would attempt to go on to college, so it was a momentous occasion for her as well. Consequently, Rita felt she must be dressed appropriately for the important event that was a milestone in achieving her goals in life. You prepared for the really important things in life, she thought.

As a child, Ella always looked forward to the first day of school. She could scarcely wait for the school bus to arrive.

But first she had to dress appropriately for that beginning day.

Ella's family had little money, but regardless they held their heads high and tried to fit in the best they could. Ella's mom was a great fan of the mail-order culture, especially through the Sears and Roebuck catalog. Every fall, right before school began, Ella's mom pulled out the thick catalog that was filled with all kinds of delights. Ella got to choose four, sometimes five new dresses to make up her wardrobe for the school year.

Some were plaid, others had a yolk and most had a sash that tied in the back. But regardless of the design, having the new dresses always made Ella feel good about herself as she prepared for the impression she'd make on the first day of school. How she loved her dresses her mom bought from the Sears and Roebuck catalog!

The night before school began Ella always laid her new dress out on her bed in her room. The first day of school ensemble was complete with all the accessories. Ella felt confident but she was still always so excited she could scarcely sleep.

Visions of the big yellow school bus and how this new year would be whirled in her head. She had to prepare for this important event.

People tend to prepare for what's truly important to them.

As I contemplated the pomp and circumstance that occurs in the lives of most, my mind strayed to Jesus and the Resurrection, certainly a significant happening. I wondered how heartily people prepare for eternal life -- that first face-to-face encounter with Jesus.

Hopefully we do not wait until it's time to meet God to begin preparing for that most important occasion. Life is certainly better when you have known God from the beginning. Although God forgives and accepts someone who's converted at the end of their life, that person has missed God's rewards, support and love when he's needed it most.

Romans 8:31 to 34 provides valid reasons for preparing, during your whole life, to ultimately provide meet the holy one.

"If God be for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all won't he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us."

Begin now preparing for your most important engagement of all -- the one that's between you and God.

Ellen Shuck holds degrees in psychology, religious education and spiritual direction and provides spiritual direction to people at her office.