What Would You Say In Your Final Letter?

In a letter by Major Sullivan Ballou of the Union Army's Second Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, he writes to his wife Sarah of his love for her and his country.  He volunteered for service and his ultimate sacrifice on July 28, 1861 cost Major Ballou, 32, a lawyer and father of two small boys, Edgar and Willie, what President Lincoln declared "the last full measure".  If we had a few hours notice by God of our demise and the chance to write a letter, would it include such profound thoughts as:

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been! 

and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by. Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/07/28/major-sullivan-ballous-letter-to-wife-sarah/#ixzz1TQl3x73H

Would we retell of our love for a spouse or child?  The closeness of death might render an opportunity to say the words and declare the feelings long held in by fear, shame or regret.  Would we ask for forgiveness for past wrongs and misdeeds?  Would we release others by offering our own forgiveness instead of leaving them still chained and bound?  Why is death the motivation which causes us to finally act?  We can see the words from his heart and the anticipation of the next few hours and days might bring to him and the two-thousand men with him.

It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart. Ecclesiates 7:2 (NIV)

We need to be reminded of the closeness of death and the fact we do not have an idea of its approach.  The approach of death should not cause the movement toward forgiveness and reconciliation.  It is the duty of all believers to live as if death is near.  Jesus told us to take up our crosses and only the condemned like Jesus carried a cross.  Death is the destiny of everyone and we should take this to heart to determine our course in all relationships.