Transitions
Thursday, July 23, 2009
I just returned from a quick visit with my Dad. It was a great visit. I listened to his stories many I had heard and some that were new. I was nostalgic and somewhat sad after I left. Visiting home is often a time I remember my childhood and teen years. I took a walk with my wife and showed her my elementary school. It seemed a lot smaller now that I am so much older. Things always seem bigger than they really are when you are a kid.
I was sad because I am in that phase of life when you begin losing your aunts, uncles and your parents. My mother died in 1991 to cancer. My father is 80 and in reasonably good health for someone who has had two heart bypass operations. He has kept his weight off and eats right most of the time. As I prepared to drive back to Virginia, a thought caused me some sadness. I realized that after my father dies, I would have few reasons to visit my hometown. Most of my relatives have moved away and most of my friends are in Virginia. I regret not having maintained better contact with my childhood friends and if any are reading this, I am sorry for that.
It is difficult to face transitions of this sort in your life. It is even more difficult without the comfort of God and the comfort of His church. In Paul’s final instructions to the Corinthian church said, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” (2 Cor. 13:11) In the transitions of life, God commands us to rejoice. In the transitions of life, God exhorts us to “aim for restoration” in our conflict. In the transitions of life, God says, “Comfort one another.” In the transitions of life, we can agree on the essentials and live in peace with one another. In the transitions of life, we can be sure that the God of love and peace is with us.
Whatever transition you are facing or have faced, allow the comfort of God and His church to comfort you. Transitions are the time when we need God and His church the most.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Comments:
Log in to leave your own comments.
Comments (0)
