Why did Rick die so very young?
Some of my friends say, “It was God’s plan. We do not know why. Trust that God had something more planned for Rick.”
That doesn’t comfort me. It rings only partially true. Yes, God has a plan. But my belief is that we participate in that plan. It is not done to us; we are full partners with God in designing our future life.
Prior to birth, we call together our soon-to-be-parents, siblings, friends and colleagues. God is there too. We gather around a big “conference table in the sky” and we design our life.
We think about what our main purpose will be in this lifetime, and we design a life that presents many challenges and learning opportunities. Some of us choose to deal with only one issue; others choose many.
Everyone at the table agrees to be a participant in this Contract of Life. Some will be our mentors and trusted friends. Others will choose the harder role of being the “mirror,” the one who pushes the buttons and causes strife and disharmony.
Each will take on a role that enhances the learning opportunity on both sides.
This Contract of Life also includes the timing of our death. We choose it. We choose it all; the good, the bad, the easy, the hard. When we are satisfied that this Contract is exactly perfect for Who We Are and Who We Want to Become, we come into this world to live it.
If we live it well and learn what we came to learn, we are free to return to Life-After-Life. Those of us left behind must honor the timing of this death. It is not for us to say whether life was too short. It is perfectly right just the way it is.
That is the hardest lesson.
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