Cemeteries

"It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and you should think about it while there is still time." Ecclesiastes 7:2

Taken a leisurely stroll through a cemetery lately? The writer of Ecclesiastes (likely Solomon) would probably recommend that you consider it once in awhile. Believe it or not, my husband and I actually like to visit old cemeteries from time to time. Kind of gets your perspective back to where it should be--you know what I mean?

There is one tiny little cemetery nestled deep in the heart of the Catskill Mountains that we often visit when we are there. As so often was the case in years past, it is right next door to a sturdy old house of worship. You can feel the history as you approach the first tombstone. The ground feels very--well, almost "holy". As we move from marker to marker we wonder about each life. What were they like? Did they go to war? Did they die young? How many lost children, husbands or wives at an early age? How many worn old leather shoes walked on these very paths as they said good-bye to those most precious? How many collapsed in utter grief and despair around the newly prepared mounds of mountain soil?

The most important question for all of them and for us as well will someday be, "Did they know the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Lord? Did they have that anchor through the joys and sorrows of their day to day lives?" As we take in that fresh mountain air we realize that they, too breathed that same air and looked at the same awesome and amazing views that still take our breath away. Were they ever mindful that they were on a brief journey?

Psalm 90:12 reminds says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

Visited any cemeteries lately?

A Truly Wise Person

"A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." Proverbs 17:27

Some scriptures need very little explanation. I think we have one of those right here. Speaking from a "mid-life" viewpoint, I've learned the hard way that when it comes to words--less is more. Ever stop to think how in a split second we are somehow able to stuff quite a large foot into our relatively small mouth? I've been known to attempt cramming both of mine in at once! After accomplishing such a feat (no pun intended) we then spend the next hour, day, week, month, year, etc...trying to pry those multi-toed wonders back out again.

Sadly, I must admit that oftentimes at the same time I'm about to open my mouth unnecessarily, a faint voice in my ear says, "I really wouldn't say that if I were you". More often than not--I ignore the Holy Spirit get myself into some hot water.

Proverbs 18:4 says, "A person's words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook."

Lord, please forgive my thoughtless chatter. Make my heart desire to speak "life-giving water".

No Other Name

"There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them." Acts 4:12



As the news stations and newspaper headlines scream uncertainty and panic where should we turn? As believers our hope should have never been in those things that will soon fade away. Wealth, possessions and reputations slip through our grasp in a fleeting moment. Who will save us anyway? We know--don't we?

The above scripture tells us that there is salvation in no one else. Jesus Christ is the only name that carries any weight in the life saving department. Our relationship with Him is the only thing of lasting value in all of the uncertainty and turmoil. Living for Him is all that really matters.

When our children were young we used to sing a song with them called "Live For Jesus". I can still hear their little voices as they belted out the chorus:

"Live for Jesus, that's what matters,
And when other houses crumble mine is strong.
Live for Jesus, that's what matters,
That you see the light in me and come along."

I think I need to sing that more often.