Our recent days in Phoenix were filled with much music. Barb's Mom, (now 98), could sing along for hours as Barb played the piano for her. (For many years she sang for the Saturday morning radio programs in Cleveland.) It's a musical family.
I'll have to admit that I am touched by some of the old songs. They often trigger memories of days gone by; of family, friends and special moments. For the past few days one old hymn in particular has been running through my brain, especially as I was waking up. "Because he lives I can face tomorrow,
Because he lives all fear is gone,
Because I know he holds the future,
And life is worth the living, just because he lives."
Almost like Scripture, our worship hymns often bring a message that keeps on
singing within. The heart draws on them again and again as needed, chasing
away doubt and fear....Because he lives!
Recently, a man whose father had suffered with AlS, was asked what one word of advice he would give to anyone with this today. The man thought only a moment, and then said, "Anticipation!"
His father had this problem in a day when there were very few devices to help with the handicapping issues that come with the disease. He said, his dad would try to 'anticipate' what the next step in the process of the ailment might be. Then he would seek out someone who knew how to invent some kind of a device to handle the issue. (i.e. a plastic brace for a leg etc.). He was always anticipating.
There is a certain kind of anticipating that none of wants or needs to do; for instance, always thinking about the consequences of a particular ailment. But there is wisdom in being ready for what lies ahead.
This can be said in the spiritual life, as well. We need to be ready to serve and to share our faith. However, even more importantly, we need to be ready to close this preface to life we are dealing with now, move on to the main chapter, and meet the One who has always been there...the One to whom we are finally responsible. Amos 4:12, that verse that we are used to seeing along the highways, is really more than a road sign about preparing to meet God. It is an urging to anticipate, to be ready for what each of us will experience. Personally I'm thankful for the good news of His mercy in the cross. That makes all the difference in the world.
