Pack Your Coffin

A century ago, the missionary, A.W. Milmm purchased a one-way ticket to the New Heberdes in the South Pacific.  Milmm knew that the headhunters in his mission field had murdered every missionary that had gone before him.  It was obvious to A. W. Milms that he would not return home from this mission trip.  So Milms gathered a few belongings and packed his coffin.

For 35 years, A. W. Milmns lived among the headhunters in New Heberdes and he loved them.  When he died, the tribe members buried him in the middle of their village.  His tomb stone read, "When he came there was no light, when he left there was no darkness."

My Two Cents:

The one-way ticket.  If the dream, relationship, business, or adventure is worth having, consider the price of the one way ticket. There will be things and people and experiences that you will leave behind. Yet, anything less than a one way trip will leave the door of your heart open for fear, doubt and regret to creep in and make its home in the dark shadows.

Love brings light.  Mr. Milmns never expected to be loved.  Actually, I imagine he expected to have his head chopped off!   Yet, his love shined a light so bright that it drove out the darkness in New Heberdes. Humans, even the head hunting kind, are drawn to the light. There is something intriguing about the man who is willing to risk his life for his cause.   

Travel light.  Life is short. Unburden yourself. Leave behind those unrealistic expectations.  God does not need you to be perfect.  He only needs you to be available.  Stop pondering all the details of the future and stop picking the past apart. Just buy the damn ticket!

You my friend, are called to bring light to the people in dark places.  And if you are going to bring the light, you must be prepared to love those in the dark.  Including yourself. 

If you are reading this today. It is time to start packing. The world needs you.

Marsha Johnson, MA
Author | Speaker | Counselor