Mortality
May 27, 2012
My Aunt Marti — facing down a progressive cancer in her abdomen — has nearly all the arrangements made for her memorial service. When I called her yesterday to thank her for having all her siblings/nieces/nephews to her and Uncle Morris’s river house, she was preparing to host guests yet again. Always the hostest…even after this week’s doctor visit brought the sobering news that a Hospice call might soon be a good idea.
She shared that the whole situation seems very surreal at times.. simultaneously planning your death…remodeling your house…one day feeling strong… the next day unable to keep anything down.
The truth, of course, is that none of us knows how long we are on this earth. Yet, we more regularly live as if it’s forever, making the here-and-now plans, investing in today, never talking about eternity even if we believe in one.
Not Marti. She knows her Lord and he’s holding her hand along this journey. She told me yesterday that although at the beginning of her illness she asked why, she now finds treasures and new wonder in each day she’s been given. She is faith personified.
The book I’m reading now, by one of my favorite theologians ever – Carolyn Custis James — takes on the issue of God’s sovereign will and our response to it…knowing He’s there and trusting Him even when the uber plan is utterly unrecognizable. Aunt Marti is walking this path now. Gracefully. Beautifully. Unashamed.
Mom, Marti, Mia and me at Marti's River House
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