The first
reason is that this year I turned seventy and I was reminded of the words in
the Bible from Psalm 90 that the translator expressed well in the Contemporary
English version, “We can expect seventy years, or maybe eighty, if
we are healthy, but even our best years bring trouble and sorrow. Suddenly our
time is up, and we disappear. (Psalm 90:10)
Now I do
not have any immediate plans to disappear, but I do realize that when we reach
this age, we would be wise to look at each day as a special gift and treasure
each one with all that it holds for us. More frequently these days my thoughts
turn to those whom I have known and loved and who are no longer with us. They
are the departed saints.
Among these
would be my father and I have been thinking of him often lately, because this
week, if he were still with us on earth, he would be celebrating his centenary.
He would now be 100 years old. However, he left us six years ago to join my
mother in their eternal home and as King David of Israel said so many years ago
about his son who predeceaased him. “I will go to him. He will not return to
us.”
I have
every reason to believe that my father and mother are in a beautiful place of
joy and peace and neverending love and satisfaction. I would not wish them back
with us as what I have learned from the Scriptures assures me that they are
more fully alive than ever. The
realization that my father celebrates his centenary in the presence of Jesus
and among all of the followers of Jesus who are now with him, makes this
celebration of All Saints Day a little more real for me.
Then during
this past week, I attended the funeral of a friend whom I have watched for the
past three years live out with incredible patient endurance the creeping loss
of function as a result of ALS. She was someone who intensely enjoyed the
fellowship of her church family and had the most welcoming smiles and hugs for
those who gathered. At the time of her funeral there were many people who said
to me that they were part of the fellowship because of the kindness and warmth
that was shown to them by this follower of Jesus. It was strange that one of
her first losses was that of the ability to speak, yet she continued through
all the months of her illness to reach out to others in friendliness, greeting
them at the door of the church with her beaming smile and when asked how she
was doing would give them the thumbs up.
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3 comments:
Congratulations on your attaining the big 'Threescore-years-and-ten,' Eleanor! It's a significant milestone, for sure. Thank you for sharing this touching testimonial to your friend. May you continue to receive comfort in the assurance of our faith and in the hope, love, and joy of our Lord.~~+~~
There is just something about getting older that seems to sharpen our spiritual awareness - or lack-thereof, I believe. I love the respectful way you honour your friends and relatives, Eleanor and how you press us to realize the preciousness of being ready. I have been thinking a lot of my mum lately and some days I long for her hug.
We, too, lost a friend to ALS last year. My husband's dear friend and accountability partner. We will always remember him for his strong faith and determination to tell others about Jesus and then, when he, too, lost his speech, to show others Jesus - just as Marilyn did for you.
P.S. 70 looks good on you! Congrats! I'm on my way ...
Wonderfully written! It makes me wish that I had exchanged a hug with you in the elevator that final day when we brought your boxes down. Not to say that your ministry among us has ended nor that we need to say goodbye by no means! It's just that it was a pivotal moment for us and sometimes my pride keeps me from doing what my heart wants to do! I pray that we may connect in that special way someday soon! I miss your teachings. Much love! Yvonne
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