One upon another.
That’s the way life has been these last few days. Today culminated with the funeral of Gordon Verhaeghe. What a joyous time of celebration.
And tonight I fell asleep as we slowed down – watching a bit of TV and drifting off into the blackness of rest.
Today’s quote – from Promise Keeper’s daily devotional:
You become a champion by fighting one more round. When things are tough, you fight one more round.—James Corbett (heavyweight boxer)
Yesterday we dropped by at lunch to congratulate him on his 84th birthday – he really enjoyed his day and thanked God that he had been able to live that long!! Today, he would have said he had graduated to a better place! We dropped by to see his wife, Elsie, and offered our condolences shortly after his passing, and I’ll be involved in his funeral expected later this week.
Gordon Verhaeghe liked to fondly tell of the double date he went on with mom and dad and his girlfriend, Elsie, back before either couple were married. I also understand that he helped dad and some others shingle the church parsonage back in the ’50’s. Gordon and Elsie kept track with mom and dad over the years, and were glad to see us return to Kindersley six years ago to continue the relationship.
Gordon was a rather blustery person with a heart of gold. Even these past few years, with compounding health problems and his memory starting to escape him, he kept me on my toes!! He liked to provoke a response with questions that were always off the wall! But when you got past the rather different way he looked at things, you saw a man who loved others and would do anything for you.
I will miss him!
Yes, not long ago (let’s say 2,000 years ago) a young man became a model. Not for GQ but for Christianity today!!
The story of Paul has been a part of my reading these past few weeks. I’m constantly amazed at his patience and resilience. His physical endurance was amazing – apparently bow legged, with eyes that may not have been the best. At best he appears to have been small, but a huge personality.
And so, I’m examining the man for my own life’s sake. How can I live a life that reflects his reflection – that reflects His reflection? Paul said, “imitate me as I imitate Christ.”
Reading Paul’s story let’s me get some very tangible approaches to Christian living. I’m not so much concerned with traveling the world – but that wherever I travel I carry the image of Christ with me. What are your immediate reflections on who this man was? Have you heard about him, studied him, sought to understand him? Let me know!
With our awakening this morning, the outside appeared to be somewhat cool. And appearances are sometimes deceiving. The guess was that it was a mere degree or two below freezing.
The reliable thermometer showed at least ten degrees below freezing.
Now, in this country, a few degrees can make your day. You feel as though the day is brighter, lighter and warmer (or cooler – depending on which perspective of the thermometer you are using). The world can gain life, or lose it’s glimmer. By degrees!!
And so today we donned our coats – which are now switching to winter attire instead of fall coverings. We had gloves handy and trusted our car to have a warm heater working.
And still, the touch was there. A bit cool, but a sure sign that in a few months we will feel a new touch. The touch of spring that leads to summer.
Hope never dies!!