Yearly Archives: 2012

Only seems like yesterday I held my wife in my arms as she collapsed and within hours passed away.  I checked my calendar this past week and 1/2 a year has gone by. 

Michael W. Smith has a song called “Welcome Home”.  I chanced up it as I was riding in my car over the weekend.  The scenario painted in the lyrics is of a surviving loved one grieving at the funeral of the deceased.  And then the picture changes to that of angels welcoming the loved one home.

I see no better place for Jill than for her to be with Jesus.  Her heart is healed, her hurts are mended and she walks with Jesus and with angels.  A better place could not be found. 

You wonder, as life continues on and new relationships form, will you forget.  Six months later, was I forgetting almost 40 years of wonder?

As I sat listening to the song, I realized that I do not forget.  I relish the past and will always be informed by a loved one I do not forget.  At the same time I move with anticipation and excitement into the future.  Who knows what God has in store for me! 

I’m just glad that Jill has been welcomed home, and that she is enjoying her life with Jesus right now!  Now- that’s a picture I wish our earthly cameras could capture, six months later!

As I was preparing to head off to work yesterday, the phone rang.  Now, that is most often not good news.  I was headed into a busy day with our seniors luncheon and choir practices and other appointments.

The voice on the other end was a little croaky.  Sick would describe the person at the end of the voice.  Up all night.  Not doing well.  And he was our scheduled speaker for our seniors luncheon.

Now, I guess I’m learning to be spontaneous.  Or at least to trust God to make a way!  I certainly could not criticize sickness – but I could graciously offer to pray for a quick healing and for rest.  Which I did.

The schedule for our luncheon did have some wiggle room – sing a song a little longer, eat a little slower, and enjoy each others company.  When the luncheon was done, we walked out having had “fellowship” that was wholesome and helpful.  And trusting our intended speaker would soon be recovered!

Yesterday I sat with friends.  We joked and laughed as a new friend was introduced around the table.  And we talked serious talk.  About our families and life.

There are days where the connection is so welcome.  Not every day can be that way.  Some days are just scribbles of ink in our calendars – things to be done and little personal space.  As the old saying goes, “That’s life.”  Not bad, just life.

And then there are the days when table talk is comfortable and comforting.  I’m beginning to think that I need to book in more of those times.  Be intentional.  What we sow we reap!

I find it amusing that sometimes we celebrate because we are together, not necessarily because chronology dictates it.

Yesterday I was at an 80th birthday party.  Art Clarkson came into my life a few years ago when I officiated at his marriage to a lady in our church.  At 80 he is well preserved.  Or should I say – “if he were 80”?

Art’s birthday is December 19th.  But trying to created celebrations around the celebration of Christmas is always difficult.  And all the family could be present yesterday.  So the party was called and everyone showed up!  And a good time was had by all, including grandchildren pictured with Art.

Art has a regular coffee group he attends regularly.  I sat with some of them yesterday and heard a few stories.  I wouldn’t mind being a fly on the wall at some of those meetings.  May I enjoy life as much at 80 as Art does!!