Thinking About Death

 

A few days ago a friend sent me an email to tell me that a mutual friend had died. His name is Thomas. He was 93 years old. He lived a good life, was a believer in Christ, raised his family, loved his wife, was active in his church, had many friends and was a friend to many including me. Like I said he lived a good life and now he lives a better life. 

His death got me to thinking about other friends I've lost in the past couple of  years. There is my buddy Jack. A career military man, a passionate patriot and a great christian. We played a lot of golf together, and had lots of fun times. There is Melissa. A sweet young lady with a big smile. I met her when she was eleven, watched her grow up, get married, have kids. She was a believer in Christ and active in her church.  Tim was a close friend Ive known for many years. A deacon, a deer hunter and fisherman, a loving dad and husband. He became a preacher and served well. We too had some great times together and I miss him. These are just a few, there are many more. None died the same way. Thomas died from old age. Jack died from bee stings. Melissa fought a long battle with cancer. Tim had covid. They have all left us with big holes in our hearts. Life is like that. Sad, sometimes tragic. 

I guess I sound a little morbid but I'm not feeling that way. Instead I find that my faith is a little more real to me. Easter will soon be here and the hope of resurrection life is strong. My friends, which I greatly miss, are not dead but alive. They live in the presence of Jesus and have fullness of joy (Psalms 16:11). There are no problems or crisis for them to worry about. Time, nor bills nor politics is not an issue for them. They are waiting for the day of resurrection and their new bodies and a new heaven and earth to live in. They will be reunited with loved ones and friends in Christ. I like to think that on that day we will all sing "Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now I'm found, was blind but now I see."

Thinking about death, no really I'm thinking about the eternal life available through Jesus Christ.This Easter season why not join join me in rejoicing.  "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...1 Peter 1:3

So Far 2021 Has Not Been So Good

Ive noticed something. Every Wednesday in January 2021 has had something bad happen (so far). On Jan.6th the capitol building was overrun by right wing zealots. On Jan.13 Trump was impeached for a second time by a self-righteous mob of congress people. Today, Jan.20th Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. Like I said every Wednesday something bad has happened. Maybe next Wednesday will turn out to be a good one but I'm not holding my breath. But then again maybe Jesus will come back and all this stupidity will end. Now that's something worth holding your breath for.

My First Post of 2021

Well, its a new year but it doesn't feel any different than the old one. I mean, Covid is still here. Mom and I both have it although I think we're getting better. I slept in the new year. All the stuff about the ball falling, eating black eyed peas, fireworks and all the other things just doesn't interest me. Maybe it is just an old man thing although I've never been much for celebrating the new year. 

Yesterday I watched Alabama beat Notre Dame(yes) but went to bed and missed Ohio State crush Clemson(boo). Tonight Ill watch the Aggie's play NC and except for the championship game next week my football season will be over. Too bad all the stuff that 2020 brought with it wont be over. 

I'm tired, tired of the fighting between the Democrats and Republicans, tired of critical race theory and black lives matter, election fraud accusations, biased media, Hunter Biden's disgraceful actions. I'm tired of friends dying with Covid, having to wear a mask all the time and a lot of other stuff.. It's a new year alright but not necessarily a good new year, just more of the same old bad year. 

But then I am reminded that this world is not my home, I'm only passing through. I'm looking for a city whose builder is God, where there are no more tears and no death. I'm waiting for the ultimate fulfillment of the promise that if any man is in Christ Jesus he is a new creation, the old has gone and the new has come. Jesus was right when he said that in this world we would have trouble. Thank goodness he also said we can be cheerful because he has overcome the world. I'm glad he did and because he did I will also and so will lots of other folks who believe in him. You know, things are looking up. Maybe 2021 will be the New Year after all.