Life . . . and . . . Death

Today . . .

within 30 minutes . . .

I got two phone calls.

The first phone call was to tell me of the passing

of an extended Family Member.

They were getting on in years . . .

but it was still an "unexpected" death.

We were surprised by the timing.

The second phone call was to tell me of a new pregnancy,

a new child to be welcomed into the family next summer.

They are a young couple . . .

but it was an "unexpected" announcement.

We were surprised by the timing.

Tonight has been filled with much pondering . . .

The elderly adult lived out-of-state . . .

we didn't see them often . . .

but we were still family.

We are so glad that we have seen them

several times in the past few years.

The young couple lives out of state . . . 

we don't see them often . . .

but we are still family.

We hope to have the opportunity

to get to know this little new one.

We are saddened by the loss of this dear family member.

We rejoice in the new life of a family member.

At 50 . . .

I have moved beyond the age of new life being birthed . . .

which means I am closer to the time when the Lord will call me home.

This family member was loved by so many.

I believe they were in good relationship with all of their extended family.

I hope and pray that the Lord gives me a long and healthy life . . .

as He has for so very many of my extended family.

I hope and pray that the Lord will restore our family relationships . . .

before the Lord calls to take me home.

Praying for our extended family tonight . . .

the ones grieving the loss of a loved one . . .

and the ones rejoicing in the gift of new life.