Journey's End

I had not originally planned to work in the field of geriatrics. On the contrary, it was the last place I would have seen myself. It wasn't the end of life I wished to witness, but the beginning. However, God, having other plans for my life, orchestrated me instead, into a job as a charge nurse at a nursing home. Once again I found that He knows me better then I know myself.

Over the years I have been the traveling companion of many who have reached their journey's end. It is one thing we cannot choose, the one guaranteed stage of life. It must happen to all of us, regardless of which roads we take in life. For some it ends in fear, past regrets haunting their final hours. For others peace, after long anticipation. Some with fight, and some with quiet resolve. So different is each person's journey through that final valley of life.

In the past I had always thought of it as a time of reconciliation, a time where families let go of past hurt, cried together, and forgave one another. But it does not always happen that way. It would sadden, and perhaps surprise you to know how many times an aide or a nurse was the only person sitting at the bedside of a fading life. What events, in a life deemed successful, would lead to such a lonely end?

In the world we live in today, and in every past generation in history, there has been a desire for status, accomplishment, and wealth. We strive to be financially stable, to hold a respectable job. We idolize those with power and envy those with fame. We're proud of our looks, our clothes, and our possessions, because they say something about who we are. Money speaks to us, and too often we let money speak for us.

Funny, though, how silent it becomes in the end. Not one word does it speak on our behalf, though we may have given everything of true value to get it.

"He was a wonderful father." "He was a terrible father." "She was never there for me." "No one could have loved me more." Stories told, and a life's journey summarized. What will your summary be? What are you doing now in your personal journey that is truly going to matter? What are you in pursuit of? And more importantly, what are you neglecting that you shouldn't?

My husband's grandfather's return of cancer was sudden and aggressive. At the time his symptoms were recognized he was given two weeks to live. I will never forget that day in his hospital room. Joining hands in prayer and in song were countless children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. No eye was dry as we celebrated the life of this poor, humble man. He left no great amount of money, but what he left was worth far more - a legacy of a love-filled, Christ-filled life, evidenced in the very lives that surrounded him that day. But, it wasn't the end that made the difference, it was the journey he took to get there.

It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that matters in the end. - Ursula K. Le Guin

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In memory of the adventures of Lewis and Clark the Christian Writers chose the topic "journey" for this month's blog chain. It has inspired some amazing thoughts and great posts amongst them all! Please visit the links on the side bar to read more!

May God  bless you!

Childhood Dreams

Growing up here in the Wisconsin woods I spent many hours of my childhood excavating my backyard (much to my mother's dismay), and dreaming of becoming an archeologist. I loved history, especially the history of Egypt. And even more specific, the history of King Tut. What drew me to him in particular was in part the incredible discovery of his undisturbed tomb, but also the mystery surrounding Tut's early death. There has been so much speculation surrounding this event. Yet, we will never really know the truth. It is an unsolved mystery that is over 3,000 years old. Witnesses are gone, and all that remains are small remnants, a mere fraction of a puzzle, to piece together.

As an adult, history still fascinates me. I love stories - and this earth has thousands and thousands of years worth of them to tell. But, as I have grown, my interests have slowly shifted away from ancient Egypt and it has been a long time since I have studied that period of time. This year, however, as part of my children's Christian Rancher's field trip we are heading to the Science Museum in Minnesota for, none other than, the King Tut exhibit. I can't help but feel a little bit of the childhood Sarah resurface. How she would have loved to go! Funny, I find I still really do! As corny as it may sound, I am finally fulfilling this childhood dream. I can't help but feel like a kid all over again!

Blessings!

In The News...

In the past few days the media has dedicated a lot of time to the recent announcement of Osama Bin Laden's death. He was a man who's actions affected our entire country with the shock of 9/11. And though this news brought closure, and a sense of justice to the families who lost so much it is difficult to know, as Christians, how we should respond. It's easy to feel relief, or even rejoice in this man's death. But, is it right?

The Author of The Outdoor Wife addresses this question in her post, 'On Enemies,' at A Deeper Story. Please visit the link and read her awesome take on this!

Seeking Him,