A few thoughts
October 18, 2011 (Tuesday)
Today would have been Wanda’s 80th birthday. Her death almost 10 years ago brought sorrow that was felt deeply by many people, especially those in the Rockport church she loved so much.
Yesterday we lost another great lady, Dolores Edwards, whose life was a glowing testimony to her love for the Lord. A missionary from head to toe, she gave her life in service as a nurse alongside Dr. Robert Edwards, her physician husband. Serving together, the two of them have done mission work of many kinds before and after retirement and have had a tremendous influence upon the church here in Rockport. The church is now more mission-minded than it ever has been in all of its history. While humbly serving the Lord in whatever ways are possible in the church, they cannot hide the fact that they are giants in the Kingdom of God. Dolores’ suffering has ended, and heaven is more wonderful than ever because she is there. A memorial service celebrating her life of true spiritual greatness will be held at First Baptist Church of Rockport this Friday at 10:00 a.m.
My recent 80th birthday has caused me to reflect upon the brevity of life. Friends in their nineties are telling me I’m “just a kid,” but I’m afraid that’s an exaggeration. I have gone from “I’m gonna get old some day” to “I’m getting old” to “I am old.” While I feel well and am extremely thankful for what appears to be good health, and very grateful that I have been given opportunities of service during my nearly 16 years of retirement, I am aware that all of that can change quickly. The Biblical assessment of “threescore years and ten,” mitigated by the addition of “by reason of strength fourscore years,” has been accomplished for me and every year that goes by reminds me of many family members and friends who have already moved on to the other side. I don’t think much about death itself, but I approach each day with a new appreciation for life, love and friendship, and the amazing grace of our Lord.