Thursday At The Beach

As many of you know my mother passed away only a couple of weeks ago. The transition is difficult. Having counseled and comforted others through such times I find myself in a “physician heal thyself” situation. As He always does, God has comforted me. Through the encouragement and prayers of family and friends He has showed up. At the funeral it struck me that there was someone from every season of mine life and my mother’s life were present in that room. People that she and I both count as most dear together at one time in one place. Some whom I had not seen in awhile, together now to show their love for my mom our family. I find I am very reflective and introspective. I am 54 years old. I look behind and before me. I long to finish well. I long to love as I am loved. I think I have wasted enough time on my agendas. My wife has this illustration she calls a week at the beach. She says that sometimes our lives are like a week at the beach. Monday is full excitement and fun. Hope fills us; we have a whole week at the beach. We unpack, settle in, go to the beach, and survey the shops and restaurants. Tuesday we explore, play in the water go shopping, take in the scenery. We mark out the things we want to do before we leave. Oh this is heaven. Wednesday is much like Tuesday but now we can revisit the things we missed on Monday and Tuesday. Take our time and linger. We return to those shops that most impressed us. We talk and laugh long into the night the ocean waves applauding our wisdom. Then Thursday comes. We realize there are only a few days left. There is this sense to enjoy as much as we can, redeem the time. Now we know that the vacation is coming to an end each moment is more precious. Our conversation on the evening walk along the beach turns to deeper things. Friday, much the same, but with more intensity. Saturday, soak up the beauty. Appreciate the simple; soon it will be time to leave the beach. This season is about done. At different seasons of our life she will periodically smile and say "It is Monday at the beach" or "Tuesday, etc." With my mother’s passing I am reminded that life is short and wonderful. Jesus redeemed my life. Where would I be today if He had not? Looking around the room at the funeral I was reminded how deeply I love these people. How indeed I have no “story” apart from them. It’s Thursday at the beach. I am not talking about dying, just the opposite. I need to live and finish well.