Devotion - Wednesday, May 4

In addition to my role as campus pastor, I am also under call to a congregation. In addition to these roles, I am also a son-in-law. I spent a good deal of time yesterday in these latter two roles.

My mother-in-law is dying. While it was only seven weeks ago that the doctor confirmed she has pulmonary fibrosis, she is experiencing rapid deterioration. She came home from the hospital two weeks ago, with Hospice Care. In these weeks, I have laughed as she faked a breathing attack (only to use the increased attention as an opportunity to ask for more chocolate), observed her and my son singing various hymns, and occasionally been surprised at the stories of her past she has decided to share. The last 36 hours have been the sharpest decline. She is now beginning to loose much of her cognitive function.

A dear member of the congregation is also under Hospice care. She has been treated for abdominal cancer over the past couple of years. The treatments in January and February had such negative side effects that she decided to discontinue treatment. Yesterday she shared with me that she feels so much better now. She was wondering if she was premature in setting up Hospice care. She did point out, however, how much she was enjoying sitting in her chair and looking out the windows at the birds, and not really worrying about trending the yard or accomplishing various tasks.

Both of these are aiding me greatly, as I make my own way through life, as I move ever closer to my own death.

There are so many things which I consider to be so damn important - but they really are not.

There are great ends toward which I direct my energy - but these ideals too often look too much like my own ego.

There are appointments to keep and calendars to follow - but there are also flowers blooming and butterflies migrating back to the north.

And all of this is happening as we end the school year and say good-bye to our graduating friends.

I thanked Lucy and said a prayer over Granna that I would not allow their impact on my life to be muted. And so I share it with you, to encourage you to thank God and think of all that God is sending into your life. There are important tasks; but it is even more important that you live your life. We have shared so much in the year about to end, in the years which went before this one. It all finds its meaning and purpose when it serves to remind us nothing in life is as important as living a thankful life.

Let us thank God; and let us promise God that we will not fail to take notice of all the wonderful things and all the beautiful people He has placed in our lives.