I just spoke to my uncle on the phone. He's one of my dad's two brothers. It wasn't an easy phone call, and its probably one I should have made yesterday. These kinds of calls are definitely not my strong suit, and I'm sure it showed. His wife has been promoted from this life to Heaven.
We talked about God's timing always being perfect and about some words of wisdom from my dad. A slight injection for readers who might not be aware; my dad went home to be with Jesus 22 years ago.
But as Uncle Billy and I spoke these few minutes today, it was hard to say, Merry Christmas. It was hard because he was busy canceling doctor's appointments. On this Christmas Eve he was spreading difficult news of sorrow, by human standards. But before I could express any condolences, he was putting his perspective on today.
"Jesus was born to die," he said. "That's the only thought getting me through this." Jesus endured a horrible death and it was His death (and resurrection) that gives us hope. Real hope! He went on to quote my dad, who shortly before he died had told him, "I know I'm almost to leave this life. My job now is to stay faithful." My dad was a wise man, and it appears that dad's legacy lives on.
Uncle Billy will bury a wife for the second time this week. Life's lessons can sometimes be so hard. Timing seems so inconsiderate. But to those who are left behind, let's rejoice that our loved ones who have been promoted are experiencing the joys of both Christmas AND Easter like never before!
