GOODBYE FOR A WHILE
Shock, surprise, numbness, disbelief, followed by the usual questions. "Why?" "How?" "Are you sure?" These are the ingredients of sudden tragedy. These are the building blocks of out-of-the-blue confusion that can hit any of us at any time in our lives. "We're sorry, but your son is dead." I'm sorry, but the results of your tests aren't good." A note on a pillow and an empty dresser, a pink slip instead of job security, any of these scenarios signal gut wrenching detours on life's highway.
Such was the feeling last Sunday afternoon when I got a phone call telling me that Gordon Graham, a local Pastor had gone to be with the Lord. After only a thirty-six year journey here in the land of the living, he suddenly embarked upon a new journey into the uncharted territory (at least for us) of Eternity. He left his family -- a wife with two small boys, and a church that he so obviously loved. The message is clear. Life is uncertain. Breath in the morning, isn't a guarantee of life at evening's sunset. But, we don't like to think that way, do we! So, we pretend that life has a stable foundation of rock solid certainty. Then, something shatters the illusion and the true fragility of life peaks through.
This past Wednesday, I went to the funeral along with the hundreds of friends, family and acquaintances who came to remember, to comfort, and to pay tribute. As I sat there, I prayed for the family, thought of my own mortality, and wondered about the future. Then the service started and I listened to Bill, a fellow minister who was also best friends with the departed. Prayers were offered. Scriptures were read. Most importantly, a picture was painted of love and faith and service as Bill remembered his dear friend. Once again the power of the Christian faith embraced me. Here in the midst of sudden loss and unanswered questions was the overpowering reality of HOPE. What a testimony! Yes, there were tears, but more than tears there was a warm sense of family, of celebration, of triumph. There was an unshakable sense of joy because everyone knew with certainty, that the goodbyes being said at that moment were only for awhile, not forever.
As we filed out of the church building for the committal there was a stillness, a hush in the air. Large white fluffy flakes of snow calmly fell to the ground, muffling the footsteps, creating a sense of comfort. It was as if the snow was God's way of making His presence and comfort even more tangible than it already was, if that was possible! It was as if He was brushing us all with a comforting caress, a gentle touch of love. I drove away wishing that I had known this man of God who had truly lived with a sense of purpose and urgency as he served his Master. I'm certain that we could've been wonderful friends in the Lord. Then I remembered that there's no reason why we still can't!
Points to Ponder
Have you been taking life for granted? Don't! Cherish each day as a unique gift from God and make it count for something valuable.
Don't play the put-off game. If you've been putting off fixing and forgiving, don't! Your putting off could mean that you never have the opportunity to fix. More importantly, it diminishes the quality of your life today!
Is there someone in your community who has lost a loved one? How can you encourage them? What is it that you can do to love and comfort them — a card, a casserole, a call? " Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God." (2 Cor 1:3-4)
Finally, do you know the Lord well enough to trust Him with your life? Can you say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Tim 1:9)? If you don't, get serious about your relationship with Jesus. Put Him first - starting today. Then you'll be ready for any detours that may or may not come your way.
Prayer
Lord God, we're thankful that you are the Lord of life! We're thankful that you have proven your power over the grave and your victory over sin and death by raising Jesus from the grave. Lord, we ask that you help us cherish our lives and make each day count by putting You first and living according to Your Word. Help us to love, to pray, to serve, to give as each day allows. Help us to do instead of putting off, to really make a difference in the lives of others because we never know how long we have, or how long they have. Lord, thank you for taking the sting out of death, for holding our hands, for giving strength and for lifting us up when we're down. Give us the faith to know and trust your love in all situations. Use us as your instruments of comfort to those around us who are in need of your loving touch! Amen
