Council Grove Christian Church

3/25/26
Servants of God,
“My times are in Your hands…”
-Psalm 31:15a
Two photographs. Two moments frozen in time. There are not enough words to describe all the life that passed between them. The first was a kodak photo of my new bride. I was careful to get a good shot. It was expensive to develop photographs in those days and we were treading water financially. We did that much of our married life. Two people, recently teen agers, were giddy with marital love and filled with hopeful dreams of a life and a family together. The cool gulf wind was blowing her hair. She was looking out into the bay of Galveston on our honeymoon in 1973. Her pose made it seem she was staring into the future somewhere out there. This morning I snapped several pictures of my bride of 52 years as she walked along a sea wall just about 100 miles south of Galveston. The iPhone allowed me to take as many shots as I wanted. All it cost was the energy to press the button. More lovely than ever, she is still the delight of my eyes. She has more than proved her metal as a Christian, a wife, a mother, a teacher and dedicated servant of Jesus. All along the way she has grown deeper in her faith. It has been my great privilege to share a marital and faith journey with the best person I have ever known.
I write today on the screened porch of a tiny cabin looking out on Palacios (Texas) Bay. The salt breeze is refreshing. Spring is in full bloom. The gulls and pelicans patrol the beach, gliding softly on the air, periodically they dive and dip. They squawk and do the amazing things that sea birds do. The boats in the slips are mostly quiet. Occasionally someone comes out to throw a fishing line. Winter Texans exit and enter their RVs parked nearby. The metal clasp on a rope that tethers a flag plays a tune as it strikes the flagpole following the rhythmic movement of the gulf breeze. I am reminded of the many oceans and seas and bays God has been gracious enough to allow me to see and appreciate. All have their own beauty.
We are here for a quick visit with Marcia’s only brother. He has been seriously ill but is home now. Over the years we have not had many opportunities to spend much time with him. He and she are the remaining members of her immediate family. It is sobering to realize that you are the eldest generation of your family. When you have lived seventy years (by the grace of God), it is sobering to remember that God says seventy years is a full lifetime (Psalm 90:10). It is all gravy after 70!
The recent deaths of precious brothers and sisters in our church family and the declining health of others reminds me of how quickly life passes. When we are young, it seems we will live a long time. When you are living into your eighth decade on earth, you know that even if you live a long life, you do not have long to live. It is always good to be prepared to die, but old people should be particularly realistic about passing from this life to the next. God is good to remind us that human glory is fleeting and that the genuine life—completely restored and fully human—is yet to be. Only Christians can know the hope of eternal life. Only Christians can fully appreciate that all the suffering and sorrow and challenges and accomplishments of this life will pale in the light of true life purchased by and in the presence of our risen Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor John
Coram Deo