Finding meaning in life: An excerpt from Facing Death and Finding Hope

From Facing Death and Finding Hope (pages 150-151)

Everyone yearns to do "one noble act" before they die, something that brings a sense of fulfillment in life and a meaning to their dying. Since young people facing death will not have had much opportunity to discover a greater purpose in their life, they might need suggestions about how to use their remaining time meaningfully. As Rabbi Pesach Krauss writes:

"Too many people make the mistake of judging life by its length rather than by its depth, by its problems rather than its promises. One is never too old or too ill to grow. Life is a series of peak moments. Such cherished moments--when we bring dignity upon ourselves, when we take a stand, when we experience love, when we open ourselves to others and to the world--give meaning to our lives."¹

Here are some examples of a "noble act" that any dying person might consider:

Preparing your loved ones to survive your death
Donating an organ, or a retina
Asking forgiveness or extending forgiveness
Appreciating the goodness and beauty in life
Dedicating your suffering and death to benefit others, or to atone for your mistakes
Expressing your gratitude and love to others
Making offerings--to atone for past harm to others, to express appreciation, or to assist religious or charitable organizations in their work
Changing even one negative or selfish pattern
Writing or taping messages of courage, wisdom and love for those you are leaving

Adults who lost a parent when they were children and had messages--letters, audio or videotapes--left for them have told me that they never felt abandoned in their bereavement, as they could always return to this living testimony of their parent's love and encouragement.

1. Pesach Krauss, Why Me? Coping with Grief, Loss, and Change (New York: Bantam, 1988), xiv.