The Casket We Carried A Mile
Read Time / 2 Minutes
Theme / Stewardship
I tried to carry the casket with one hand, but I could not. The last thing I wanted to do was drop it, so I grabbed the handle with two hands and shuffled on while my fingers and arms complained fiercely. Six of us grandsons were struggling to carry my grandmother’s coffin across the cemetery lawn to her burial site. It felt like a mile, but it was probably just a hundred feet.
I have fond memories of sitting with my grandmother at her kitchen table playing dominoes. At times, we would stop to investigate the flurry of activity at the bird feeder outside her sliding glass door. Being with her gave me a sense of comfort. But, as is with life, my grandmother eventually passed away. Scripture teaches us that “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Now we were carrying her body to its final resting place.
All of us will eventually move into eternity, but we depart without the possessions we have accumulated on earth. Our possessions – including our investments – must then be dealt with by those we leave behind. If instructions are not clearly spelled out, then stress is added to grief for our loved ones.
At Christian Wealth Management, we ask you to list beneficiaries on each investment application. When you sign the application, it becomes a legal contract and serves as a will substitute. A will substitute is a legal arrangement that allows assets to be transferred at death while avoiding probate (court proceedings to determine the distribution of assets). This means that your investments are distributed to your beneficiaries efficiently.
As I carried my grandmother’s body to her grave, I am sure she was no longer concerned about her earthly possessions since she was now enjoying her heavenly rewards. Let us all look forward to our heavenly rewards but not forget about those we will leave behind. Make sure to add/update your beneficiaries on relevant documents, including your investments. Your loved ones will appreciate it.
Doug Hanson, MBA
Wealth Advisor
(208) 697-3699
doug@christianwm.com
