ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

It has been a long journey these past four months. My sister’s husband passed away on Christmas Day and my husband followed him a week later on New Year’s Day. Both my sister and I knew the time was coming. There’s never complete knowledge of where or when, but we had our final celebration of life this past weekend. As friends and loved ones fall asleep in our heavenly Father’s arms – as those of us who remain, struggle with various physical ailments – as we age and become helpless when we used to be strong – as our worldly expenses exceed our meager income – what’s next?

All through our lives, we place death on the back burner praying that it eludes us.  When we’re young we never think about it.  We feel invincible – as though we can do anything, conquer the world, live forever.  As we mature into our middle age, we’re almost too busy to think about it.  Our lives are now full of responsibility and demands which require our constant attention.  When the nest is empty we turn our thoughts to retirement and the bounty of time we’ll have on our hands to travel or enjoy life to the max.  Death rarely enters our mind at this point either.

Then reality sets in.  The years begin to take their toll.  Your body has lost its elasticity.  Your bones are becoming brittle.  Your mind is playing nasty tricks on you as your memory is slowly shrinking.  Every ache and pain is a reminder of your mortality. My God has sustained me through this life. He has walked with me through trials, loss, pain and fear.  He has carved out the perfect plan for me even though I often thought it was the wrong one.  His promise of eternal life is not just empty words. 

The thought of leaving those we love behind crushes the spirit.  There is so much we want to teach them – so much wisdom we can share – so much of ourselves yet to be passed on, but when we leave this earth, we leave a great legacy if we’ve shared our Savior with those who remain.  They will carry on your love.  You’ve planted the seeds within them and even though the memory of you will fade, they will never forget what God has given them through you.

Every day God gives us on this planet is a time of God’s mercy – a time to live for Him – a time to share His love with others – a span of years which will live on through others.