Anniversaries are dubious.
I remember once reading or hearing someone say that I ought to be aware of anniversaries in peoples’ lives. He explained that by illustrating it like this: Our lives are like a circle that every year repeats itself in some way. Take a tire on a car or bike for example. You get a bulge or a nail in the tire and every time that tire makes a revolution, there is a bump (at least until the tire goes flat). My wife’s car tire recently had a screw in it. She could hear something but could not figure out what it was. She asked me to go for a ride to see what I thought and as she got in to drive I took a look at the passenger side front tire. There as plain as day was a screw. Another half revolution and she would have felt it again and I would not have seen it as quickly as I did. There, obviously, was no sense in driving! Every time that tire rotated it made a noise.
People’s lives are like that. Whenever a significant life event happens, a bulge is made in the “tire” of life. Every time the anniversary of that significant event comes around, emotions and memories kick in. That’s why deaths, anniversaries (good and bad), highs and lows hit us as they do. Knowing this principle has helped me go a long way in understanding people’s ups and downs.
April 13 has two meanings to me. Today would have been my late mother’s 91st birthday. I watched her breathe her last breath in March of 2004, about one month before her 72nd birthday. (Is it bad that I can’t remember the exact date?) She died of a rare form of lung cancer which, at the time, mainly struck women who were non-smokers (like n.e.v.e.r.). Strangely, there is not a glitch in my tire. Even though I felt the loss at the moment, and as I did her funeral service, I rejoice at her reward. She is with Jesus and celebrating with her mother and father.
April 13, 1975 was also the day of my ordination into the ministry. I wanted to honor her witness and faithfulness by being set aside for the ministry on her birthday. She influenced me so much to follow Jesus and was so “proud” that all four of her boys served the Lord in some way. 48 “official” years today. So given my years of college ministry while still a student and the year following my graduation, I have been at this gig for 50+ years. There have been ups and downs but I wouldn’t trade it. The call of God on my life has been sure.
I’m grateful for my mother. I honor her today because her influence still remains in my calling to follow Jesus and to encourage others to do the same. TODAY IS A GOOD DAY!
Congratulations, Bill! Seems that you and Jo and Dick and I have all been in this wonderful world of ministry for about the same amount of time. I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I praise Jesus for your ministry, Bill! Happy birthday to your mother in heaven.
I figured it would be close Pam. Like you i wouldn’t trade it. I’ll have to ask Jo. 🙂 Mom’s birthday is truly a celebration.
Bill,
What a testament! Congratulations on another year!
Thank you Ryan and all credit goes to the Father who has always been faithful even when I laxed.
What an amazing and inspirational woman your mother was, Bill! May memories of her and her influence upon your life keep you on the path that Jesus has designed for you.
Blessings!
She was that Martha. My only regret is that I didn’t say it more when she was alive.
Congratulations Bill, I am glad that you are my pastor, your heart for the Lord encourages me all the time to make sure my walk with the Lord continues to grow and to keep it fortified. This is one of the first churches I have been with that I feel like I have actual brothers in Christ with you and Ryan, and not just pastors I see on sunday, and can only share small talk with. Thank-you
I am humbled by your words Gail. Folks like you also make it a joy to pastor OVCF. Thank you for having a heart for God.
and wouldn’t your Mom be awed and delighted in the blog world you inhabit as well, Bill.
i hear you about the anniversaries. they are fraught with all kinds of emotions and often all at once.
He knows. He understands.
I’m not sure she would know what a blog was. She was not computer savvy. 🙂 but yes, they are filled with conflicting emotions.
Those bumps can be big ones!Strange how I can remember my mom’s birthday, but forget her heavenly birthday.. if that makes sense.
I’m so glad I found your blog whay back when. It’s been a joy!
Yeah, the bumps can be big ones. I remember my mom’s death in March but I could not tell you that specific date. Thanks for the compliment. I appreciate having you as a reader.
Happy Anniversary, Pastor Bill! The calling on your life certainly is so evident. I so look forward to reading your posts. May the Lord bless you with many, many more healthy years in His service, in Jesus name!
Thank you Cheryl. I pray God gives me many more years to serve Him, hopefully with good health and clarity of mind. 🙂