Monday, December 11, 2006

Is This All There Is, My Friends?

The sounds of my daughter's violin lesson floated through the green door as I sat and waited in the hallway. Students emptied into the corridors as class came to an end. Laughter, singing, and jokes prevailed. It must have been a good class.

Soon I noticed him, his slightly bent over figure shuffling slowly down the hall. I watched as he purposely meandered along, taking in every posting on each bulletin board passed, absorbing details, memorizing the sounds of the students all around. When he was within earshot, I called his name, retrieving him from his reverie.

"Oh, hello there," he responded. Long pause as he collected his thoughts. "I just gave the last test to the last class I will ever teach." He hesitated and coaxed forth a half-smile. Emotions were pulling him.

He continued with his explanation. "'Why do you do it?' my wife asked me. 'Because I like the kids and working with them,' I told her. But she's right. It's not fair to her. She wants to have time to travel and do things. So, now we can."

But his faraway look let me in on his secret. He faced the future with some uncertainty, feeling as though his purpose in life was being left behind. For untold years this was all he had ever known; this was his identity, and here he felt valued and affirmed.

Oh, that he might know the Lord's affirmation. Oh, that he might live for His purposes which are never left behind. Oh, that his future might be faced with assurance and confidence.

How sad to face the end without knowing. How empty and lonely.

And how precious to me today is knowledge of His salvation.

4 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

ah, to know God's purposes at every stage of life. What a privilege, and one of the many things I don't ever want to take for granted.

3:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This post made me think of Psalm 32:4 where it reads, "For day and night your hand was heavy upon me." For you and I know that even in the midst of trials and disappointment, His hand is ever on us. How I pray for that man to realize that he has access to the same, strong hand. Lord, may he realize soon.
P.S. I called and left a message. I was only wondering about a time for the two girls and Merrick to come over to make caramel corn. Would one day next week work for you guys?

12:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Isn't it interesting that as we allow Christ full access & full reign, the need for worldly fulfillment & accolades fade? This has been a great treasure in my heart - Jesus is my greatest purpose & greatest reality. Oh to be FAITHFUL to Him!!!

Love you ~

10:29 PM  
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