Good Friday!

            Today is Good Friday. A thousand-something years ago, at this time, Jesus Christ was judged, arrested, beaten, stripped, and crowned with thorns that protruded from his head. He will take a journey carrying his cross, our sins, to be crucified. Give or take a few minutes; he will arrive around 9 a.m. to be hung for about six hours and die around 3 p.m. on the fated Friday. He didn’t want to sacrifice his life for people he didn’t know or love, but Jesus was an obedient son who trusted in his Father.

 

            We all have taken some journeys under fear and doubt, not knowing the outcome. I’m not sure we’d go through with it if we knew. Yet, there are people, including veterans, who have given their lives to save the many. They might be recognized later, but how many are forgotten over time? Those impacted by the trauma probably won’t; they will not take the sacrifice for granted. Have we forgotten what Jesus Christ has done for us?

 

            We all have heard this story, and whether we believe it or not, if this even happened, there’s a feeling that something did. Let’s take a few minutes today to think about our journeys.  Did we make any sacrifices? Were we anxious and afraid? Did we complete the assignment and come out stronger? Are we repeating the experience daily, especially during sleep and quiet times? Don’t take anything for granted; Jesus knew when his time would come, but we don’t. No excuses.

Always Valuable!

            My wife and I visited Mother Bennett this past weekend.  At 102, she’s still feisty and quick-witted.  Her granddaughters have a hard time keeping up with her.  The older daughter gets stressed when her grandmother says no to any assistance she offers but accepts it when it’s done, while the younger daughter takes it in stride.  It doesn’t matter to her; Grandma will get over it.

 

            As I watched the interaction between the three women, including my wife, I felt their sincere, unconditional support for each other. I also saw how frail my Godmother was. Once solid and independent up to 101, it seemed just overnight that she became dependent overnight. The scene reminded me of the words to a song about the young becoming old and everything must change. We will all change whether we like it or not.  Growing old lonely doesn’t help.

 

            My godmother mentioned that she is ready for God to take her home.  She has outlived her friends, husband, one of her children, and my dearly departed Godsister, who I considered my biological sister.  Her remaining son is almost 78 years old now.  Her question now is, what can she do for anyone when she can barely care for herself?  Who needs her now?  She looks at her pictures of being young and reminisces about days gone by. I try not to look in mirrors to avoid looking at how old I’m becoming. I’m looking like my father as I get older.  We might try to slow time down, but we can’t stop it. I have learned that we will always be valuable to someone.

 

I fully understand the elderly.  Currently, I’m physically healthy and, at the time, mentally capable, as well as capable of doing things for myself by God’s Grace. There are folks in their 40s who can barely brush their teeth. Yes, I have aches and pains from areas that I didn’t know I had.  Work through them.  Do what you can while you can.

Moments!

            The thought came to me today regarding how moments should be cherished.  It could be due to me getting older and accepting that I will not be on the earth forever.  Also, listening to the beautiful music of string violins, violas, cellos, and pianos could put me in a melancholy mood.  I cannot ignore laughing with my wife and having serious conversations about discussing whatever we want are moments. Walking, listening to concerts, and sharing our time are moments when we can do things together.  Moments,  when people can share with each other.  Moments and times when opportunity will never happen again in this lifetime.

 

            We often take these moments for granted until we realize how important they were after they passed, especially after our friends and loved ones have.  I won’t discount disappointments or discouragements.  They are memorable, unforgettable moments that will always impact our lives.  They will always be reminders of our choices and will most likely never leave.  The Japanese have a saying for the concept, “Ichi-go, Ichi-e, meaning “Once in a Lifetime.”  Enjoy the present moment as it is unique and unrepeatable.

 

            Sometimes, I was uninterested or not wanted to go or participate in any event or function.  When I did go, I was apprehensive or skeptical, but it was over, I truly enjoyed myself.  I’ve learned to become present; even though it took some time, I became more aware of the opportunity I was given.  I hope you do the same one day.