She was 91 and her obituary described her as a good bingo player. “A Good Bingo Player.” That was it. She was 91 and all that could be said about her was she watched her bingo card carefully so as to not miss a number. Was she a mother? Was she a grandmother? A great-grandmother? Was she a good wife? Did she like to cook? Had she ever volunteered for a community service project? Did she ever write anything or read a good book? Did she raise a family? Was she a Methodist or a Catholic? So many questions could be asked. But her last line in life was, “She was a good bingo player.” It is obvious the last people to care for her and to notify the newspaper never really knew her.
But then again does anyone ever really know us? Do we ever really know ourselves? Fortunately, the one who counts the most really does know us. Jesus said, “Even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Matthew 10:30-31. And Paul reminds us in Romans 2:16, “This will take place on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Jesus Christ.” I rejoice in knowing that the one who knows our secrets also loves us.
What would we want the newspaper to say about us when reporting our demise? How about “a good daughter,” “a good dad,” “a good wife,” or “a good grandpa?”
Written November 10, 2002