It’s one thing getting chased by an ambulance, another by a hearse.
My Prius was flying at 60mph, when the hearse passed, lace curtains swaying.
What’s the hurry?
Somebody rise up, demanding a quicker route?
Some Scrooge, get a second chance?
Was the person, along for the ride, reliving, “You’ll be late for your own funeral”?
Afterthought: maybe it’s not all that bad getting passed by a hearse, being reminded, life’s fragile, brief, precious and worth celebrating the hearse wasn’t for you.
So how do we live adventuresome lives with a hearse gaining on us, while fighting fears and sometimes feelings more helpless than hopeful?
While going through some of Jud’s books for a friend, discovered one I’d intended to read, THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF ENCOURAGEMENT by Harold Myra, thoughtful writer and Norwegian! Jud read this devotional book during his final year, with the hearse in his rearview mirror.
The August 19 reading’s entitled, Desperate Prayers. King David in the Psalms cries,”Let all who are helpless take heart…I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.”(Psalm 34:2,4,NLT)
Harold writes,”It’s when we hit bottom that prayer becomes essential–and the cause for joy. When we’re self-sufficient, prayer can be something on the margins we keep trying to get around to. When we’re fearful and helpless, we cling to it and find it sustains us.”
Jud underlined those words, adding PRAY in the margin.
Jud prayed.
We prayed.
I pray.
Prayer fights fear with faith and Love, irregardless of the answers.
Fear keeps us stuck in our garages, going nowhere, but safe, hiding from the hearse.
Life’s risky-wonderful, worthy of passing prayers.
“Let all who are helpless take heart.” (Psalm 34:2 NLT)
A hurried hearse, good reminder to pray to never let Life pass us by.
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Jan, I don’t often take time to comment, but I read each and every one of your posts eagerly, knowing I will be the better and the stronger for your encouraging words. Just yesterday I found an 8 x 10 glossy photo of Jud shaking our oldest son’s hand when Adam graduated from Gordon in 2004. So grateful Adam was there during your tenure. He is now on the pastoral staff of GC/Wilmington, and his Gordon experience prepared him well. I know you miss your wonderful husband every day. We are all the better for having known him. Keep writing, please. It’s not just us Norwegians who need you. 🙂
Amen!!
Thanks Jan for reminding us life is not a dress rehearsal. When people say, “it’s good to see you,” I find deeper meaning in this greeting.
Blessings, Dale
P.S. Go Pats!
Such a fabulous post, on so many levels! So funny! So thought provoking! And sooo encouraging. (sorry for my limited vocabulary, I was a math major you remember!) 🙂 I read this several times: “”It’s when we hit bottom that prayer becomes essential–and the cause for joy. When we’re self-sufficient, prayer can be something on the margins we keep trying to get around to. When we’re fearful and helpless, we cling to it and find it sustains us.” Thank you Jan. Love you!
And when the hearse is in the rear view mirror we come face to face with the truth….. ‘growing older is not for sissys……even more-so when a beloved goes on ahead of us.
You are a treasure, Jan ❤
jan – fantastic post and “right on” and “write on!!!!!”
And bravo for keeping the 60 mph pace ! You continue to bless us all. ❤️ Love!
Jan,
I read and thoroughly enjoy all of your posts. You challenge us, cause us to smile, and sometimes bring a tear. This one brought all three to me, and more!!!! Thank you for your observations and wise insights. Now, out to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and ponder the adventures and wonders of life. Love ya – Peggy