Dave was a childhood friend who I knew from elementary school and the local baseball league. We weren’t particularly close friends growing up in our small Ohio town, because we simply hung out in different circles. It wasn’t until Facebook came around that Dave and I connected.

At some point in the 30-years and 900 miles between us, Dave became a committed follower of Jesus Christ. As you might guess, we connected mostly over our mutual faith and posts that gave us opportunities to interact. As time went on, Dave was discovered to have inoperable cancer and he died. However, it’s what he did before he died that I want to point out here.

Before Dave passed away he recorded a video to leave behind where he shared a message from his heart about having faith in God. He shared a gospel presentation in his message recorded on video that was posted online after he died.

Dave emptied his heart before he died and here I wish to encourage you to do the same. Maybe it’s not the gospel message for you, but whatever it is that you cherish in your heart, don’t let that die with you. If your heart is full of love, thoughts, and messages that you wish to express to family and friends before you pass, please plan to do that.

First, I want to help you identify what’s in your heart and then I want to give you some ideas on how to share that. So let’s begin with the fullness of your heart.

When you know you are going to die, give some consideration as to what you want your loved ones to know or hear from you. What is in your heart that you wish you could get across to those who you will leave behind?

Consider these questions to help you identify what you want to share:

• What makes life meaningful for you?
• What truth do you want loved ones to know you lived committed to?
• What values do you wish to inform or reiterate to your children?
• What do you wish your loved ones remember you as?
• What family stories need to be passed down?
• What memories do you want your loved ones to hold on to?
• What would you say to a loved one going through tough times?
• What would say to a loved one going through good times?
• What were you most passionate about during your lifetime?

If you need some ideas on what you could share, listen to the Tim McGraw song, “If You’re Reading This.” I know the song is about a soldier dying in battle, but it will give a good perspective that can be replicated.

Now, let’s talk about ways you can share these things with your loved ones:

• Gather your family for a meeting
• Record a video on your phone or YouTube
• Write a letter for everyone or a letter to individuals
• If you have a website, write things out in a blog or series of posts
• Purchase a blank journal book and start jotting down your thoughts
• Speak to family and friends one-by-one
• Speak to loved ones by telephone
• Text family and friends, if it’s a brief message
• If you do social media, post a message there

I realize there are variables to consider that may determine which way may be best. Sometimes there is no opportunity to visit face to face or by phone. My point is, please don’t die with a full heart, if you can help it.

The relationship you have with every loved one will continue in their hearts after you physically pass away, so give them some memories that are most meaningful to you and best reflect who you were.