Pleasant Places

 It’s been one of those weeks, busy and happy, but yet another funeral.  That makes two in the last week.  Godly men, age appropriate but still leaving you thinking, “Hey! What’s going on??”  

While these things were going on, another dear friend miscarried, and a school acquaintance of my teenaged grandchild was killed on his e-bike. All this just reminds me again of the hope of Heaven, and wondering how anyone could bear them without that assurance. 

I wanted to share a memory of Tony’s dad’s home going.  It was many years ago now, 2012.  A lot of you remember him.  He loved the Lord, he loved his wife, Jody,  and every day he made an effort to love living, and keep serving.

We were in Europe when the call came that he was having bypass surgery.  We were due to be home in a couple of weeks anyway, but we changed plans and flew home to be by his side as he ‘recovered’.

The operation seemed to go well, although we were not aware that things had actually gone horribly wrong, and no one would notice until it was too late to do anything about it.

Dad must have had a premonition as he talked with Tony in the recovery room. “I’m just tired of living,” he said.   “Jody’s been gone 16 years and, well, I’m just ready to be someplace else.”  

“I know, Dad,” Tony had read a flier about bypass surgery and depression, and tried to console him. “Things will look different in the morning. We’ll see you then.”

And we will.

He slept a little while, then woke up with a start. Looking around the room, he snorted, “Humph! Wrong place.” He went back to sleep, and about 20 minutes later, slipped peacefully into the arms of Jesus.

It’s a joyful fact: God has our days numbered, and for us who call Him Father, it’s just going to get better. Some of our friends lately have found that “right place” and have gone to join friends and family at His Feet. 

Thank you for your encouragements. And thank you Lord, for the thrills that are still ours today. Sunrises, summer storms, priceless looks on the faces of our kids and grandkids. Pure Gold. 

Thank you for the words of the Psalmist, whose joy I can share today, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places…” (Psalms 16:6). 

CYA next week! I’m determining to enjoy the time I’m given.  No more maudlin posts!

Love,

Marsha



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