Life Insurance as an Act of Stewardship

The following reflection was offered by a member of the Resurrection staff.

When someone close to us (or even someone not so close to us) dies doesn't it seem that we naturally reflect on just how delicate life is? I suppose it has something to do with the fact that it forces us to take a step back and take a moment that we wouldn't have otherwise made time for.

My husband and I had to elect life insurance this week. We both receive a set amount as a benefit through our jobs, but we had to decide if we wanted more and how much. My husband was adament that we get life insurance on him because he is the primary source of income. He wanted to be sure that I was provided for in the event of his death. (NOTE: We are both fairly young and in good health. And yet, we are both aware that each new day is a gift, not an assurance.) He wanted me to be able to care for our children and myself in the most healthy way I could without him. I am very blessed by his thoughtfulness and provision. We filled out the election form, sealed the envelope, and placed it in my purse for the mail.

Then I got to thinking, "What if something ever happened to me? What legacy did I want to leave for my husband and my children?" I don't make a fortune, but I would not want my husband to worry about expenses or the budget upon the unlikely event of my death. I would want his complete attention to be on himself and our children and working through the greiving process. I want my children to have time with their dad. I want my children to have a good Catholic education. I don't want money to be an obstacle to the depth of their relationship in a time when they are so desperately going to need one another. I want to be sure that I leave my family in a state to successfully support one another without having to devote extra time to financial resources.

So, I ripped open the election form and changed the election over to family. What's an extra $4 a month when you consider the benefits? God has given us the resources and we have to discern with Him their best use. For $48 a year I can assure that if God calls me home before I see my children grown, they will be cared for in a fashion similar to that which I would have cared for them.

Certainly, it is not all about the money, but in this case the money is what will make the care, the mercy, and the love an easier focus in a time of great difficulty.

Isn't that what God calls us to? We are called to look beyond ourselves and be loving stewards of our time, our love, our fortune, and our future. Life is delicate. Embrace every opportunity. Love in every moment.