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?