This Too Shall Pass | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: This Too Shall Pass | Previous Challenge Entry
By Christl Boyd
11/19/05
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES

I wanted more coffee, but no one heard me. My words are muffled now. Almost incoherent, at times. The aftermath of an unexpected stroke. In days gone by, my opinion was much sought after. The wisdom I offered was heard by many a young man but now, even a simple request for a second cup of coffee is virtually ignored. At best, it is looked upon as a nuisance.

My family comes to see me when they can. I appreciate their visits. It can't be easy for my children to see me this way. The man they knew is old now. Their father's body is not as strong as it once was. I used to lift them high upon my shoulders but now I depend on the kindness of nurses to lift me from my own bed every morning.

Each day seems shorter than the last and every moment slides into the next. Month after month, time slips by without so much as a glance in my direction. An occasional card or visit reminds me of the seasons I once looked forward to.

Nowadays, I can only think of winter. The crisp clean air, that signals autumn's end. Wide blue skies streaked with white. The smoky warmth eminating from red brick fireplaces of families trying to stay warm.

These are the sights and scents that fill the photo album of my mind. The warmth of these memories bring a comforting solace to this old body of mine. They reassure me that this too shall pass.
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18) NIV
I preached on that passage of scripture many times throughout the years. As a young minister I never would have guessed that one day I would be living out the truth of God's word. His living word.

There are a multitude of things wrong with my body now. Sometimes age does that to a person. Day in and day out, I am surrounded by people who are not my family, but have committed to caring for myself and others like me. I need assistance with simple tasks and the booming voice with which I used to declare the Word of God is barely a whisper.

Yet, in the middle of it all, I must say that I am blessed. My life has been full, thru good and bad times. I had a wife who loved me deeply and children who still honor me as their father. Every so often, I receive a letter from someone whose life was touched in one of the churches I pastored, thanking me for all that I did.

Each time, I shake my head because it is I who should be doing the thanking. It was my joy and privilege to serve the Lord in that way. As winter is drawing to an end for me, my dearest hope is that I have lived a life worthy of the One whom I once declared.

PREVIOUS ENTRY | NEXT ENTRY
SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY FOR THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.

Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.