The Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes has much to say about the every day and at the same time remind us of God, our Creator and Sustainer. This is where I began when reflecting on Leroy and the scope of his almost 80 years of life and specifically the 18 months he lived at the nursing home.
"..A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, is from the Hand of God for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment?....There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:
A time to be born, a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to uproot;
A time to kill and a time to heal;
A time to tear down and a time to build;
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance;
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather them;
A time to embrace and a time to refrain;
A time to tear and a time to mend;
A time to be silent and a time to speak;
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time for war and a time for peace....
God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil -- this is a gift from God."
Leroy will always be a witness to me of faith in God. Leroy came to our nursing home family in January of 1995. He wasn't the shy, retiring type and it didn't take long for every staff member to become a part of Leroy's life. Leroy was accustomed to creating the direction of his life around him. He had made decisions. He had worked hard. He was his own man just like the Ecclesiates' verses talk of -- a man who finds satisfaction in his work. Leroy's stroke and health problems were not part of Leroy's overall plan. I don't even believe they were a part of God's plan, but our Lord's Presence never left Leroy. Leroy was not alone.
Leroy gave a vivid example of storming the gates of heaven. In his pain and inability to live his life as he had, Leroy just wanted to go home. To go to God. To be released. For as much as Leroy was a decision maker and hard worker, he still knew who was in charge. God. God was in charge so Leroy daily plead his case before the Almighty.
Leroy wasn't afraid to die. Leroy fretted more about living than dying. Leroy wasn't afraid because he knew the future would continue with God in heaven . A heavenly future is a little unknown, but Leroy's faith -- a faith that said 'I Trust,' wasn't worried or concerned with the unknown. Leroy knew Jesus. He believed in Jesus. He trusted Jesus. Leroy's faith was simple and uncomplicated. Believe. Jesus is Who He says He is. The Bible tells us so. Believe. No great theological essays, no deep probing analytical thesis, just believe. And if you believe, then trust. It is that simple.
"..there is a time to mourn, and there is a time to dance." Somehow I feel that Leroy would want to see us humming along and tapping our toes.
To the family of Leroy, may God bless you, comfort you and release you from grief so that you may continue your dance of life, now and forever more. Amen.
(August 1996)
No comments:
Post a Comment