On Eagle's Wings

On Eagle's Wings
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31

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Saturday, February 16, 2019

Life is like a Vapor

Friday was the day we finally were able to make our little day trip down to meet DH’s cousins. Although he is a native of the Dallas area, he spent his first seven years living in a small town halfway between Dallas and Houston. Most all of his relatives on his mother’s side lived there and he stayed with his grandparents on their farm. Thus, he spent a lot of time with his cousins then and over the years following they remain close. We don’t see them that much anymore because everyone’s lives are so busy these days, but I think all of them are realizing we aren’t getting any younger and it’s much better to meet together over BarBQ and potato salad, than over the fried chicken and potato salad after a funeral. The sad truth is, that is more the norm.

So we made the drive down on Friday morning and met for lunch. We talked about the usual things, family, kids, grandkids, health, surgeries, a few things about the past, but not that much. Someone asked DH’s cousin Judy what her husband Lawrence was doing today, where he was. “Oh, he rode his motorcycle down to Galveston for lunch and he’ll be back this evening. He loves to get on his bike and just ride over to different places, have lunch, and come home before evening.” The conversation then turned to his adventurous nature and, of course, I had to tell a few of DH’s motorcycle tales.

After a couple of hours, we said our good-byes as I wanted to beat the rush hour traffic in Dallas. We had been home maybe 30 minutes and I texted the photo I took of the cousins together.

Mike, Ray, Judy, Jay, Mary Anne 

My phone rang in response to my text and it was cousin Ray calling to tell me they had just found out that Judy’s husband had been killed instantly on the highway in Nacogdoches. Unbelievably shocking and unexpected news. Strangely enough, the accident occurred even as we were speaking of Lawrence at lunch.

Folks, we wake up each day and thank God for our life, asking Him to lead us and guide us, then go on about our business as usual, thinking we know what our day holds. We cannot know for certain how it all will play out, as I learned many years ago myself, but this I know: we can know and rely on God’s love for whatever comes our way. Let’s be ready when He calls us to whatever the day may bring. Lawrence and Judy’s pastor posted these words this morning how he was missing his friend.

“You never know what might happen from one day to the next. Really from one minute to the next. For years, I don't even know how many, almost every morning at seven o'clock, Lawrence would come to the church and into my office where we would just talk about whatever subject came up. Yesterday morning was no different except that it was the last time for me to see him alive on this earth. As he was walking out the door I told him to be careful on that bike. He turned, pointed to me and said, "I'll see you later!" And now, the next morning, it is seven o'clock and I'd sure love to see him walk in this door again. Gonna miss him in so many ways. Prayers for all his wonderful family and many friends. And yes my friend, I will see you later!”


We will meet up with you later!






7 comments:

Debby@Just Breathe said...

I have goose bumps. That is so sad and tragic. I am so sorry for your loss and the loss Judy is facing now along with the entire family. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGS))
That is a sweet note from their pastor.

Chatty Crone said...

I have to be honest with you Nonnie - I have been learning this lesson myself the past couple years - life is a vapor and we should truly love one another while we can - be kind. My prayers are with you and your family! Hugs, sandie

Terri D said...

Oh my, I am so very sorry for the family and especially his wife. I love my cousins and don't get to see them often so I love that your DH got to be with them. Just sad to read this very sad news.

Mevely317 said...

I'm stunned and saddened at this turn of events! Like my mother used to express, "We never know." I love what his pastor penned. Like what a former crush expressed years ago, "We don't say 'goodbye' like you Americans; we say 'arrivederci' … see you later." Prayers!

Wanda said...

Oh Connie ~ how tragic. Yes, life is but a vapor...here today and gone tomorrow. I am so thankful for each breath the Lord gives me and my loved ones never knowing what tomorrow will bring. So glad He gives us strength for one day at a time. Will be in prayer for this dear family.

Pamela M. Steiner said...

Oh Connie, this just blows my mind...I just now saw this and am in shock...as I am sure you all are. So very sorry for your family, especially for Judy. Yes, we truly never know what life will hold from one minute to the next. So thankful to know that Lawrence obviously knew the Lord and you all know that you will definitely see him later...but I can only imagine the shock his wife Judy is feeling now. Sending hugs and prayers for all of you as you deal with the sad news. Wow...just wow.

Diwakar said...

Hello Nonnie. I am a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honoured to get connected with you as well as know your interest in the Word of God and prayer life. Sorry to know about dear sister judy's husband Lawrence being killed in the accident. It must be a heart breaking news for sister Judy. My sincere prayers for this sister in the Lord. I am a stranger from a third world country but how amazingly the Lord connects us irrespective of our nationalities because of knowing Him as our personal Savior. I am so glad to know that Bro. Lawrence knew the Lord. As you rightly said what the Word of God reminds us of " Life is Like a Vapor" Though it is an end to our life on the earth but it is an entrance to a eternal life. I love getting getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 39 yrs in this great city of Mumbai
a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor live. We reach out to the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young people from your family to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have a life changing experience. God willing I will be coming to the States in the month of April 2019 and will be coming to Dallas. Will be so glad to meet friends like you and get connected for the greater purpose in building God's kingdom. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you and your family and also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centred rest of the year 2019. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede. Be assured of our prayers for Judy and her family as they over come the loss of Bro. Lawrence.