Sunday, March 11, 2007

Death

That's right, death. I'm facing the realities of death right now. Last week at NMC, we saw a young father of four finish his earthly battle with Cancer. He fought hard, love God all the way through it, and now he's home.

Friday Night, Janelle got a call from her parents saying that her grandma was beginning to shut down. She's 97 years old and has been battling Alzheimer's for the past 10 years. All day Saturday, and several hours today have been spent at the nursing home with Janelle's family and Mabel. She's still fighting, but it's only a matter of time.

As I'm surrounded by these situations right now, some thoughts running through my head...

... Death is never convenient. I'm busy right now. There's so much going on.
... Death makes you stop and consider what matters most. I'm not too busy right now for to be there for and with my wife and in-laws to go through this. NOTHING on my schedule is more important than that.
... Death is inevitable. Death is something I don't talk about tons. I don't think about it always. I still have moments where I basically think I'm going to live forever. I'm not. Last time I checked human beings have a 100% mortality rate.
... There's more to life than death. In this life, eternity is at stake.

Still processing, but taking some personal inventory.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Derry,
Please tell Janelle that she and her family, as well as you brother, are in my prayers. I lost my grandpa last fall after he battled Huntington's Disease for many years. It is a difficult time for us left here to mourn, but I pray her grandma knows Jesus in a personal way. Derry, let the Lord use you to minister to those in need at this tough time. I'm praying for you!!