Written by grandson, Seth Mallay It's amazing to consider how each one of us stands at every moment on the threshold of eternity, and yet we pass most of our lives without seeing how precariously we balance on the invisible edge of our own mortality. Sometimes we catch a small glimpse of our own fragility, our dependence on a God that we see as so far beyond our mortal comprehension. Most will hurriedly distract themselves from their knowledge of the existence of the unknowable and go on living as if they might always live. The reality is that each of us stands to lose everything, and it's really as simple as a question of timing. Certainly, in life, we can face devastation and loss on scales both great and small, and sometimes all at once without notice. Yet more certain still is the fact that we can take nothing and no one with us when we leave even our own mortal bodies to pass through the one-way veil. When considering the reality of that path, it comes down to a simple choice: repress the knowledge of that reality and lean on your own understanding; or, surrender your possessions, your loved ones, your semblance of control, and your very life into the hands of God. God and His eternity are truly beyond our mortal comprehension, but He has made Himself knowable through the person of Jesus Christ. More than that, Christ, the man of sorrows, has gone before us into the unknowable and uncertain to make a path for His children which is sure. He changed the prescribed outcome and showed us a hope that we could not have hoped for: there is life beyond death. And it's not just life, it's abundant life. Eternal. In Him and of Him. That is why death's sting is made impotent. Though loss would cause us to mourn, the adopted rejoice in great hope. Grandpa was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure six years ago. He came so close to death that he could taste its bitterness in his mouth. We all beheld in those days a picture of our frail reality. We were certain that grandpa would pass into eternity then. Grandpa chose not to pursue dialysis, and he relinquished himself and his fate into the sovereign hand of God. The Lord gave him six more years. Today, his suffering ended forever. We are again reminded of how fragile we are, and yet how God is sovereign over each of our days. Grandpa would want you to know of his hope in a just and loving God, in Jesus Christ. He would encourage you to resign all that you cannot keep, including your life, into the trustworthy hands of God. He would tell you of Christ's faithfulness to forgive sins and the hope of eternity with God. We see past this life from time to time. Such as today when grandpa took his last breath. When Arwen was diagnosed with stage four cancer. When family members lost a son and grandson to suicide a couple of weeks ago. When a friend's husband has worrisome symptoms. When the world falls apart because of a virus. war, pestilence, and suffering until the end of days - that has been guaranteed. God is always in control and He is always good. Do pray for grandma if you get a chance. She is grieving the loss of a companion of 63 years. • • • • ________________________________________
