More Than a Sticky Note
By Dean Collins
In recent months, I have sat with friends in hospital rooms, prayed with families around hospice beds, and walked with people through difficult diagnoses. Some have said goodbye to someone they loved. Others have celebrated encouraging test results and signs of healing.
Listening to their stories has reminded me of something Ken Burns says he carried on a sticky note for forty years: “This won’t last.” He meant that every season—whether joyful or painful—is temporary. Scripture agrees, but it also reminds us that we have a greater hope because of the promise of Jesus—that one day He will return and bring restoration and renewal to all of creation.
As I sat with a friend recently, we talked about podcasts we enjoy. One I’ve come to appreciate is called Not Dead Yet. In it, former Senator Ben Sasse—who was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer eight months ago—interviews a wide range of guests. He often reminds listeners that all of us will die, but some of us are given the unusual clarity of knowing our timeline. Sasse is a man of deep faith and a lifelong learner. Even as he speaks openly about nearing his “expiration date” (his words), he maintains both his humor and his desire to make the world better as part of his Christian discipleship.
In a recent episode, Sasse interviewed Ken Burns. During their conversation, Burns shared the three reminders he carried on that sticky note: nothing lasts forever, get help from others, and be kind to yourself. Listening to him, you can tell those simple words grounded him and gave him perspective through the ups and downs of life.
All of us can benefit from good advice. But it’s easy to make the mistake of thinking of Scripture as just another source of helpful tips. The Bible is not a self-help book, even though it does speak to life’s most important questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What is the meaning of my life?
The difference is this: Scripture doesn’t just give us advice—it gives us hope rooted in what God has done. It tells us that while this life is temporary, we are not without a future. It reminds us that we were never meant to walk alone, but to bear one another’s burdens. And it shows us that true kindness begins with receiving the grace God has shown us in Christ.
Time humbles us. Community strengthens us. Grace frees us.
That’s more than a sticky note. It’s a way of seeing the world that can carry us through whatever comes and anchor us in the promise that, because of Jesus, what lies ahead is far greater than anything we leave behind.
Father,
In seasons of uncertainty and loss, remind us that this world is not our final home. When we are weary, surround us with people who will walk with us and help carry our burdens. Teach us to receive Your kindness and grace, and to extend that same kindness to others. Anchor our hearts in the hope we have in Christ, and give us strength to trust You in every season.
Amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
2 Corinthians 4:17–18; Galatians 6:2; Titus 3:4–5 ESV
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