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I like the way Charles Dickens captures your attention in the opening paragraph of The Tale Of Two Cities:
• "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,
• it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness,
• it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity,
• it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness,
• it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,
• we had everything before us.
Those extremes continue to be reflective of the times in which we live. They are the extremes found in my own life and I expect the same is true for you. This Christmas has been a mingling of both laughter and tears.
Laughter and tears are defining moments in all of our lives. The line from Dicken's opening paragraph that most captures my attention is: "It was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness."
Perhaps that's why the Christmas carol I most enjoy is: "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." Whenever I hear it, it always serves as a trigger to remind me that in any set of circumstances God can redeem the moment and come alongside us at the point of need. It was written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow on Christmas Day in 1863.
The Civil War was raging. Longfellow expresses the truth of that reality in the line: "Hate is strong and mocks of the the song of peace on earth, good will to men." After much anguish and despondency, the carol concludes with: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep." He affirms there will ultimately be "...peace on earth, good will to men."
I visited with dear friends, Wayman and Janet Curry, in their home a couple of times during the week of Christmas. Truth be told, they are more like family than friends. For the past 43 years, our lives have been woven together in the fabric of friendship.
Craig was in the second grade when we moved to Henly. Since Treva and I both worked in Austin, after-school care for Craig posed a problem. Janet offered an immediate solution: "Craig can get off the bus with Troy. He can stay here. It won't be a problem."
Craig is now 50, so our relationship with the Curry family has weathered the sands of time. Over a lifetime, we have shared much together. For the past several months Janet has been under hospice care in her own home.
Janet was present (awake and alert) on the first visit. The General and Andrea were with me. In reflecting on the visit, Andrea said, "Dad, you were funny. Even Janet laughed." Despite the laughter, there were tears in my eyes when we left.
The following day, I visited again and Janet was mostly sleeping but beginning to stir with evidence of discomfort. Wayman was quick to intervene. It was time for more Morphine. I watched the two of them together. Wayman was a picture of tenderness and compassion.
When I left that visit, once again my eyes were filled with tears. Wayman telephoned me late afternoon on Christmas. I immediately asked: How is Janet? He said: "She is having a great day! She passed about 30 minutes ago."
I immediately went to their home where the family was all gathered. The family's primary focus wasn't on their loss, but on Janet's gain. I guess it could be defined as bitter/sweet.
The reality of God's love has the wherewithal to offer the kind of light that can diminish the darkness. Light and darkness cannot co-exist. In a nutshell, that reflects the hope and peace that begins with the Christmas story.
All My Best!
Don
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