Today is an interesting day. I have some things planned that will make for a busy day But it is also a day of nostalgia.
First, it is my youngest daughter’s birthday. I won’t tell you how old she is because that would give you a hint of how old I am. 🙂 (For the record: 70). I also will NOT give her age since I was always taught you never ask or volunteer a woman’s age. She doesn’t read this so I could say anything I wanted and she would never know! However, I won’t do that because you all would be like, “Oh man, cut the syrupy, ‘I’m-so-proud-of-her’ stuff.” I mean, just because she has survived and is a great mom to my favorite grandson and that I am so proud of the lady she has become, why should you have to weave through all of that? Right? Happy Birthday to my #2 daughter (in age since I love them both equally).
Second, Jo and I attended the second funeral visitation in a week. This time it was probably the first friend Jo had (and they remained that for 13 years) when we moved to Terre Haute until we moved away in 2000. However, when we were able to see them, it was like we were never gone for the two ladies. Myrna was a godly woman whose love for God, her husband, two children and multiple grandchildren never waned. Even after Alzheimer’s hit her 3 years ago. We stood in line for close to 2 1/2 hours to see Randy, Ryan, and Cassidy (Janna’s first best friend in TH).
Pastor Greg Laurie wrote in his devotion book, Everyday with Jesus, about the word “depart” found in Philippians 1:23. The Apostle Paul wrote, “My desire is to depart and be with Jesus, for that is far better.” The word depart has some interesting pictures.
- One it means “to strike the tent” or “to break camp.” It’s like wilderness camping (which I have never done) and you can’t wait to get a shower. 🙂 (Now you know why I have never camped that way. MacGyver I’m not).
- Two, a prisoner being released from chains. Myrna is no longer chained to a failing body or mind.
- Three, it was used to used to describe untying a boat from its moorings prior to setting sail.
I don’t need to apply those. You can do that. Heaven is better by far. Those words lead to that conclusion.
An interesting day of nostalgia for sure. The high of a daughter’s birthday. The sense of loss but the “high” of a friend’s homegoing and release from this body of death. That is better by far.
Highs and Lows certainly come and give us balance. Praying for comfort and peace for the lows, and for celebration and happiness in the Highs… Praying for a joy throughout. When the time comes to “break camp” from this life, may all that we leave are positive memories.
You are right Ryan. Life is filled with highs and lows. Joy can be there no matter which one we are in. And I look forward to breaking camp
Certainly a day for memories and thankfulness, Bill. May Janna enjoy her birthday, and may the Lord comfort everyone who cared so deeply for Myrna.
Blessings, Bill!
Thanks martha. I talked to Janna and she had a nice day. The funeral went well and saw the family afterwards when another member of their family was in hospice. They are simply waiting for her “call home.”
One thing life is not, is predictable. One moment you are celebrating life and one moment you are saddened by the loss of life. Happy birthday to your youngest daughter. Sorry to hear about the loss of some of your friends. Praying for peace and healing for you and Jo. Losing friends is really hard, I have a lost a few over the years. The saddest thing about the friends I lost, is I’m not feeling strongly I will see them in heaven. One of my closest friends I lost six years ago, we had several conversations about heaven and God, but all she said was she was comfortable with her decision. Still feel like I should have said more, been more convincing, however, I have grown so much with God since that loss. When my time comes, I am confident that my best day ever will be the day I meet the Lord, no day will ever has as much joy as that day.
That is the hardest thing of all Gail. Not knowing. Part of us knows and part of us doesn’t want to. I’m glad you are confident in your future.
Two Godly people who are separated by distance meet and it’s like they were born at the hip. That sounds like the kingdom of heaven right there.
Even at my young age (Getting close to 60) I can’t wait for these earthly chains to come off.
I cannot wait either Ed. Each day brings me closer.
I’m so sorry to hear of your wife’s friend’s passing. May God comfort her and you and all who mourn. And happy belated birthday to your daughter, even though she doesn’t read this. 🙂 God bless you, Pastor Bill.
thanks Cheryl. a 2 1/2 hour wait was mere pittance for the friendship Jo had with Myrna when we were there at the church. And we have been able to stay in contact except for the past few years when she was so bad. Thank you for caring.