The loose-leaf workbook is divided into six sections to assist you in defining and recording your wishes about such subjects as "Making Decisions about Your Legal and Financial Affairs," "Making Burial and Funeral Plans, and "Making a Life Plan for Where You Want to Spend the Rest of Your Life."  Section One consists of forms on which to record your personal data; Section Two helps you in "Organizing Important Papers and Documents," Section Four contains "Advanced Directives" about your healthcare. The final section is a complete funeral planning guide. An Appendix contains many helpful resource documents, articles, and other relevant information.

Over the past month I have completed the workbook for Carolyn and me, and I can witness to you that it is not only an extremely important secular task, but an enriching spiritual exercise as well.  I had thought that my "affairs" were in good order, and so was surprised, even shocked, at the number of important things that I had not done or recorded or, in some cases, even thought about.  It has given us an opportunity to discuss some difficult issues with each other and with our children, and to gain and give clarity on so many subjects.  The result is a great feeling of relief, relaxation, and accomplishment for all concerned.  (We actually found the planning of our services pleasant and fun, to the point where I wish that I could be there "in the flesh" like Tom Sawyer at his own funeral!)

It has been my privilege to minister to hundreds of families at the time of the death of a loved one.  I have seen and shared the pain and confusion that is made unnecessarily much more difficult by the absence of any clear directives on the part of the departed.  Often there is no knowledge of even the most basic wishes and decisions, such as place of burial or location of needed documents.  Even though almost all parishes encourage and offer assistance for advance funeral planning, few families have done so, and so service decisions are usually based at best on guesses made at the most difficult and painful time.

Advent Season is a time of preparation, introspection, and promised new beginnings.  I can think of no more appropriate "Advent project" than this exercise.  At least begin by securing a copy of the G.I.F.T. workbook ($10 if you can afford it) from Barbara Vandergriff (bvandergriff@saint-lukes.com or 802-6207) and examine it.  There will soon be an electronic version as well.

Any effort that you make in this regard will be time and energy well spent.  For those who are dear to you, it will be a wonderful G.I.F.T. of love.
 
    -- The Rev. Maurice "Rusty" Goldsmith