I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder “What’s with the fork?”
Whether you have a month, a year or 20 or 50 years ahead, the best is yet to come. The fork is the reminder.
C.S. Lewis says: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
The great Zig Ziglar confirms that it’s best to hang on to your fork: “Always remember that your present situation is not your final destination. The best is yet to come.”
What is your “best to come”? What are the “far, far better things ahead” for you? It’s not enough to just know there is a future and a hope. You must believe it. You must cling to it. You must act on it. The “act on it” part may be nothing more than preparation, but that means you can’t just sit on it.
The lady in the story knew the end of her life was near. She had made the preparations and she was hanging on tightly to the fork as a reminder.
First, you have to let go of the past — or at least recognize your future isn’t in your past — and determine to make a new beginning or await the destiny the fork promises. As I’ve said before, you can’t steal second base if you keep your foot on first base. Song after song reminds us exactly what C.S. Lewis says above.
- It’s not over, it’s not finished, it’s not ending. It’s only the beginning when God is in it.” ~Israel Houghton, It’s Not Over!
- Yesterday’s a closing door, You don’t live there anymore, Say goodbye to where you’ve been, And tell your heart to beat again. Phillips Craig and Dean, Tell Your Heart to Beat Again.
- God’s not done writing your story, No, He’s not done, God’s not done with you! God’s not done with you, it’s not over, it’s only begun. Tauren Wells, God’s Not Done with You.
- Don’t ever lose hope, hold on and believe; Maybe you just haven’t seen it, just haven’t seen it yet; You’re closer than you think you are. ~Danny Gokey, Haven’t Seen It Yet
What does your fork represent? What are you going to do about it? In the story, the lady’s fork reminded her she was going to heaven. And she told her story even in death.
Just as many have encouraged you to “live your dash”, don’t give up your fork. Hang on it because it represents your best days ahead! What is your “best to come”? There is hope for you. There is something better ahead. There is an opportunity and a land of promise for you.
Somewhere along the way, someone has likely told you to hang onto your fork or your spoon. And it had the same connotation, something good is coming and it’s coming soon!