One More Time

 

Our times are in God’s hands,

Your time is in God’s hands,

My time is in God’s hands...

 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
   Ecc 3:1

1957...

1957--my family with Grandpa Harry and Uncle Ralph

A splintered toy box, scattered tinkertoys, Mom's ironing in the refrigerator, applesauce squirming through a sieve, playing in the hayloft, swimming in the lake, walking the lane to the school bus, my first date at the front door, falling in love on the back steps, a barn fire, leaving for college. . .

memories....

 

So teach us to number our days

that we may get a heart of wisdom...

   Psalm 90:12

2013...

I pick up my father from the nursing home and drive ten miles into the country--passing corn and bean fields bending in the wind and ready for harvest--and turn into the long lane leading to my childhood home.

Dad is with me, an oxygen tank attached.

 

He falls asleep easily--amidst the talk of harvesting, memories of his brother's work ethic, his parents and more. Cancer took my mother's life several years ago. We stop in front of the old farmhouse--inhabited only by field mice, an ocassional possum, squirrel or raccoon.
My father dozes; I survey the place I once called home. A place filled with laughter, supper smells, homework at the diningroom table, devotions after a meal. I feel ancient and hollow; grief and loss wash through me.

I wish Dad could wrap me in his arms,
 hold me tight, read me The Bobsy Twins,
and tuck me in at night with a kiss
and a Now I lay me down to sleep...

 

For my sake

and...

for his...

Just one more time

 

 

 

He served in World War II--

drove an army tank.

Dad raised six children

with my mom, farmed,

 served on the school board,

was a church elder.

And, now we sit, together,

hold hands and remember.

 



 



 Time?

 

Our times are in God’s hands, Your time is in God’s hands,

My time is in God’s hands!
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say,

You are my God.

My times are in your hands.

– Psalm 31:14-15

 

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
- Psalm 90:12

Wishing you the peace,contentment, and wisdom
that only comes from a gracious and loving heavenly Father...
today and always...