TIME OF DEPARTURE

For I am now ready to be offered,
and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight,
I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith.
II Timothy 4:6,7

It is calculated as nearly as can be, that Timothy was probably the last person Paul wrote to. It may be a toss up between Timothy and Titus, but young Timothy was very much on Paul's mind because of the dauntless task that was before such a young man in carrying on God's work. Paul knew he was shortly to die, probably by execution, but nothing was absolute at that point. Paul just knew in his own way, what was coming down the road.

I've known others, who could have quoted some of those verses in their own lives. I have a dear friend, Sandra who, suffering with all that goes with the end times of cancer is holding on to life by a thread. She has fought the fight those with terminal cancer do while all along hoping for a miracle of healing. She's never complained but has gone through this time in a very graceful way. She's stays focused on her Lord and her faith is strong.

Another dear friend was the president of my Sunday school class in Texas. Elaine just walked into my class one Sunday morning, sat down on the front row right in front of me. I didn't know her at all so introduced myself. I could tell from her appearance, manner and speech that she appeared to be an educated lady. After introducing myself, to her, she quickly said, “I am Elaine, have recently gone through a divorce, have advanced cancer and I need a hug.” Sometimes unusual things happen with a Sunday school teacher and that was one of them. I went to her and gave her the tightest hug I could. Elaine stayed faithful to the class, saw growth in her spiritual walk and enjoyed her friendship. Her cancer went into remission for a time but then returned. Elaine had two teenage girls and her mother planned to move in with them until they came of age.

I got a call to get to the hospital for Elaine was asking for me. I went into her room where her sister and mother were sitting. She kindly asked them to leave so we could talk. She asked me to be her mother's friend. Her mom was going to move from south Texas to Austin. I told her I would do what I could. In a few days, Elaine went on to Heaven. I took her mom to make funeral arrangements and then we went shopping for a nice outfit for Elaine. Thelma was in my Sunday school class for a time and we had lunch every Wednesday until she finally moved north to be with her other children.

I mention these things because, not just with me, but it would appear most of us are walking friends of family members through very critical conditions. Cancer seems to be the huge prevalent problem, but there are also the mental issues that seem to have no cures. I'm amazed at how rampant cancer is all around us either with family or friends. It seems to me at times that cancer is sitting in just about every church pew. There are caregivers who struggle every day to give care and at the same time to stay personally strong through all of the emotional difficulties. When we read in our church bulletins regarding cancer in a persons life, a person with a name, oh how we need to pray and be of help when we can.

So many of such folks have been such an example for me. Knowing full well their time is short, I have seen a strength through great pain. I think of friends like Bobbie, Carolyn, Darlene and so many others who fought the good fight. They finished their course of life. One such friend recently asked me, “Why doesn't the Lord just take me?” I said to her as lovingly as I could, “In all our lives God has purpose. We are here on this earth until His purpose is complete.” I told her that it could be I would be in Heaven before her if God sees my life's purpose as being complete.”

The day will come when I will finish my course. My prayer is, that as I saw in my friends, I will have kept the faith until that moment I meet Jesus. I'm no apostle Paul and don't really know anyone like him, but I believe those of us who love and follow Jesus would hope for the same end to our life here on earth.

I have written this blog in a hesitant way. I have seen in the last couple of years so many folks who are fighting physical battles. Sometimes, we want to stay clear of the suffering but they need our encouragement and to still minister to them and pray for them regularly. Those who are caregivers have very difficult jobs. They too need a smile, hug or word of encouragement. Keep track of those in dire need of our prayers if your church provides a prayer sheet. Don't just stuff it in your Bible and forget about it until the next one is published.

Thank You Father for those dear ladies You have allowed to cross my path who have blessed me more than they can know. I know our parting is but for a moment and You are in charge of my days. Keep me strong...keep me faithful. In Jesus' name...Amen