In God We Die

I believe that God appoints an hour for each of our deaths. I believe that there is a time simply to trust what God is doing, and not try to lengthen that span of life that God has given us.

But how do we know when it is our time to die, or to let someone else die?

I have worked more than twenty years as a geriatric social worker in a hospital, clinics, and nursing homes. During this time, many people have told me that they have lived too long. I've heard similar statements from friends, family members, and members of my Friends meeting. How can we know for ourselves, about our own lives and deaths, so we don't find ourselves in the same predicament?

This essay looks at some of the issues involved in prolonging life. It also offers a discernment process for those among us who face life-shortening conditions and who want to know what God wills for them.

I ask questions. I suggest some answers. But since I don't have all the answers, some of the questions remain. Maybe you, with God's help, can answer them.