The Benchmark

at the end of
your life
when it's all about
to be over ...and your
-money will
no longer matter
-next career move is
not going to happen
-challenging goals are unnecessary
-dreams will be undreamed
-words will no more be spoken
-familiar voices unheard
-when only the
past is present signifying
tomorrow's nonexistence
in this life... for...
that last day's task is to
remember
ponder
evaluate
the sum as well as
the parts of your life
what benchmark
would you use or
have others use
in this endeavor?
were you a success
or a failure...
not living up to your potential?
this gift of your life
passed on by particular
parents in particular
circumstances at
particular times and places
for X many years
in Y careers with
Z accomplishments
and alphabetic
relationships 
what did you do with
all those years...
measured on what
imaginary scale?....
the answer
if known now
how would that change things
if there was still time?
in reality
it matters not
what my standard is
nor yours either
for each one is relative
it is only
the Lord's benchmark
that is absolute for
He alone is the Judge-the
Source and End of all-
and He says....
His criterion is Love-
to Love Him above all-
wholeheartedly
faithfully and
not be double-minded 
then...
to Love others
in self-sacrifice
as He has loved you
only THAT brings the
true...good... and beautiful of
your life into fulfillment and
worthy of honor in
heaven forever
so then...
that being proffered
do you accept it as
your personal benchmark?
and if so then...
how is that going?
and what are you
going to do differently
from this day on?
if unaccepted...and
think about this carefully..
all eternity is  at
RISK

Reflection/Discussion:
-What is the point of "The Benchmark"? 
-Imagine that you are the person about to die,
 do you accept the Lord's benchmark?
-If yes, how does that affect your life today?
-What changes do you need to make?
-How can you ensure the changes "stick"?
-If not, then what?