Joyless or Joyful

Do you have a fear of death? Do you have your stash of money tucked away like you have to pay to get into Heaven? Or are you still freely ordering from Amazon like tomorrow is guaranteed?

There is a generation out there right now that simply won’t let things go—the Boomers. Don’t get me wrong, I love them and I respect them. But they are, without question, the most stubborn generation I’ve ever dealt with, especially when it comes to having their affairs in order.

The love of money runs deep.

Death is the only guarantee in life. As my stepdad once reminded my mama, none of us are getting out alive.

Having your affairs in order—at any age—is not optional. It’s a gift to the generation left behind. Instead, too often, those left standing inherit a mess. It’s like finding a burning bag of poop on your doorstep. News flash: no thank you.

I’ve noticed this trend for years, and I’m completely bumfuzzled by the lack of preparation. The next generation is expected to take care of Granny—or whoever—until the bitter end, often under impossible conditions. Physical exhaustion. Emotional burnout. Loss of sanity. All inevitable.

I am a huge advocate for being prepared. Death is coming whether you like it or not. Get the insurance policy. Donate your money to Cat Lovers of America. Give it to a charity. Give it to anyone you choose if you don’t want to share it with family. But for the love of all things good and holy—do something with it.

Probate is a nightmare. It’s long, expensive, and soul-draining. There are ways to avoid it. Talk to an attorney. Learn your options. Get it together. No one wants to fight the system while they’re grieving, and no one wants to spend years untangling legal nonsense that could have been avoided.

Trust me—those left behind do not want to spend an eternity sorting out a mess they didn’t create.

That casserole dish from Aunt Sally’s wedding in 1920? Throw it away.
The baby teeth from Uncle Morris? Throw them away.
The money you’ve clutched your whole life? If it means that much to you, line your casket with it.

But at least be prepared. Leave instructions. Make your wishes clear.

Bible = Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.
Read it.

1 Timothy 6:10
For the love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Matthew 6:19–21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Genesis 3:19
By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.

Isaiah 38:1
Set your house in order, for you shall die.