"They called her melancholy baby-she has a head like a melon, and a face like a collie," goes an old joke from the 1920's. And today I feel a bit melancholy, not because of any physical features, but because of a sadness of the heart. Ballerini called yesterday, and told us they had just returned from the doctor. Her husband Lee has a tumor on his liver-cancerous, and they cannot operate. With medication, he has a year to live, without-six months. And it makes me think, maybe I didn't have such a bad day after all.
Back in the 60's a show was on called "Run for Your Life," where a lawyer is given one to two years to live. So he hits the road, doing all the things he never could, funny how when faced with mortality, we have money to do all the things we couldn't afford before. And soon has lost his fear of death, and has found a new sense of time. Sorta a bucket list, before the movie made the term popular. Impending death has a way of straightening out out priorities, and exposing our temporalness, and mortality. When confronted with the finality of death, our hearts change, and hopefully we turn to God. Many say they do, but the evidence tells us otherwise. Are you sure you are going to heaven?
Live for today, and don't worry about tomorrow goes the old song. And if you live for Jesus, you don't worry about tomorrow. For you know where your final destination is-heaven. But sadly, so many think they are going to heaven, when they are not. Born in the USA, having Christian parents, going to church , and good works don't get you in. Only believing in Jesus and repenting does. Church membership-no. These things are between you and God. Tithing and gifts to the church-sorry, not scriptural. Can't buy me love. It takes Jesus. And an old scriptural based saying maybe brings it into a better perspective. Die once, live twice. Be born again, of the spirit, and you will be found innocent on judgment day. But die twice, you only lived once. It is the judgment, and eternal damnation-death and hell. No second chances-you had them while here on earth. Finality-one for life, one for death. Somber words for the dying-an encouragement for the living.
So why do I feel melancholy? Perhaps it is a selfish feeling, for I miss those who have died. And I love Lee and Suzie. I miss my Grandpa sometimes, he was a cool man. But he knew Jesus, and I am encouraged by King David's words about the death of his son, "I can go to him, but he cannot come to me." His son of course, in heaven. With my Grandpa, now how cool is that? The hippie generation had a saying, "today is the first day of the rest your life," but what if it is your last? No one sets out to get cancer, to get leukemia, to be in a motorcycle accident. "What a beautiful day, think I get hurt." No one knows, not even the condemned person, their death date, for these things are so precious that God keeps them to himself.
Tomorrow is promised to no man. To me that makes today that much more special. I think I am going to just go out and enjoy myself. Be a blessing to those I encounter. Wear a smile instead of a frown, for I know where I am going when I die-and I can't wait to get there. And when others ask how I can smile in the face of adversity, I will tell them about Jesus, and the plan he offers. You don't have to go to hell!
And to Lee and Suzie, heaven awaits, and I know you both know that. You may be separated for awhile, but the same Jesus that meets your needs for both of you on earth, will continue to meet them while separated. God's love doesn't end for those who believe at death, but the reward begins. My advice, enjoy every day, for He says "this is the day that the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." Share those blessings with everyone you come in contact with, for not all can say that. Keep your eyes focused on that cross at Calvary, the empty one. The victory is won! And remember the empty tomb, and know that because Jesus was resurrected, so you will be, too.
For me, I wish there were only two days in the year-Christmas and Saturday. Both days of fun, and celebration, away from the world and its cares. Days to go riding and spend with my family. Days off. Six months isn't a long time, but compared to eternity, just a few seconds. Enjoy the time God has given you, for joy is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of God! And from a heavenly perspective, maybe that old hippie saying is right-but only for those who believe!
And if you happen to own a collie, or a dog with a head like a melon, well..... and did you know the TV series ran for more years than the doctor had promised him he had left to live!
Jesus-don't leave home without Him!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
