“Inscriptions;”
“Life’s Best Invention”
The CEO of Apple computer, Steve Jobs, died this past week of cancer at 56 years of age. After he learned of his cancer he spoke at the 2005 Stanford Commencement ceremony. He told his young audience; “Death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it, and that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. Its life’s change agent, it clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you- but someday, not too long from now, you will gradually become the old and be cleared away.” Jobs was echoing the words of Solomon who said, “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come” (Ec. 12:1). The “evil days” Solomon explained were the days of old age and death when “the dust will return to the earth as it was and the spirit unto God who gave it” (Ec. 12: 7). Death is truly life’s best invention. For a time, when we are young, we think we will live forever. A few moments later we are wearing hearing aids and walking with a cane. So enjoy every moment, chase your dreams, and serve God. Life’s best invention is not far away. -Dennis Doughty