"Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord..." ...Psalm 19:14
******
I read online yesterday that a friend of ours from Nevada had, at only 55, passed away last month.
Oh dear. He'd been a co-worker of Tom's both in California and Nevada and our families had, for a couple years, lived on the very same street. We appreciated that 'Rob and Sarah' moved to Nevada during our early days while Nevadans hadn't warmed-up to us. (It takes Nevada folks awhile-- I've even read this in books.) They had 2 little boys and our families spent much time together.
Eventually Tom, Naomi and I moved to New York. Sarah and I wrote letters, then emails, but after I encouraged her to do everything possible to save her marriage before leaving it (they'd had problems), Sarah emailed and politely, sweetly really, suggested we not write for awhile.
😉
So we lost touch. But via Internet searches over the years I happily noticed that Rob and Sarah, in a different state, were still together and yes! Yesterday's obituary stated they'd been married 33 years. And that blessed me--they'd always seemed right for each other.
Anyway, Tom told me he recalled Rob saying, "Yeah, I'll die early like my dad did. I just know it."
Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Color me someone who'd rather not play around with words like that, the power of life and death being in them, and all (Proverbs 18:21).
The Bible cautions us to use our words sparingly because we'll give account for every careless one (Matthew 12:36) and that he who guards his mouth preserves his life (Proverbs 13:3).
Ever read all those verses about our words? Eegads. They're enough to keep us all aiming to keep our tongues careful, disciplined and spreading grace to our listeners rather than, well, the bad stuff (Ephesians 4:29).
After reading Rob's obituary, I searched online for Sarah's street address so I can snail-mail our condolences to her (her old email address no longer works).
I found her address.
Speaking our condolences, matters. Expressing our gratitude for others, matters, also, as does voicing our concern and sharing happiness over others' joys.
It's all vital now--and what we did here will matter in Heaven one day. Somehow I feel this like a tug.
And lately? Often I lecture myself to not allow 'the haters' to convince me otherwise. Even James Taylor reminded me of that while in my kitchen this morning listening to him sing --
People can be so cold
They'll hurt you and desert you
Well, they'll take your soul if you let them
Oh yeah, but don't you let them.
Please don't let others take away the sweetness in your (God-changed) soul, ok? May we each become better, not bitter during Today's turbulent, sad times, and always guard our heart because everything we do flows from it.
Everything.
"Never choose the easy path, choose the one that has morals. It's your life, live it! Be honest, follow your heart and do the right thing. God sees and knows all."
--Nishan Panwar quotes
May we leave this Life having made others smile and glad we spent some time here.
******
Speaking of hearts... Valentine's Day is fast approaching and are you ready? Hmm?
Even my local coffee shop's in the Valentine mood. Here's a photo they shared at Facebook of 'my' table where I always sit (be sure to notice the vintage touches)--
******
******
Sad to hear about your friend dying recently at the young age of 55 and good you found his wife's address. Notes of support at this time are very welcomed.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Debra, Our words are powerful!
ReplyDeleteI often read the obituaries from the various places we've lived over the years. At times, it takes my breath away when I read of a young person's passing. On the other hand, it makes me realize how thankful I am to have a chance to live another day. Life is a gift!
ReplyDeleteSuch good reminders (and TRUTH) you wrote here...
ReplyDeleteI'm always refreshed after a visit to your blog.
And yes, 55 seems younger all the time.
So sorry about your friend. 😞
ReplyDeleteLet the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your site, Oh Lord. (Can't remember where it's found.)
Lovely post, Debra.
I'm sorry to hear about your friend Debra. 55 is very young. Dennis' father and grandfather both passed at 67 so he's always saying that he most likely will too. I am constantly, and I mean constantly telling him NOT to say that. I agree with every point you made in today's post.
ReplyDeleteAnd people will try to steal our joy and our souls. We must hang on and keep fighting the good fight.
Blessings always,
Betsy
Thank-you all for your condolences. Truly, they are appreciated.
ReplyDeleteTerra--still thinking of you in these early days of your new life and praying God feels especially close to you this winter. <3
Elizabeth--sounds like we're on the same page regarding our words (as well as so much else, my friend!)
Pam--you reminded me that yes! These times always make me more grateful than usual that I'm alive and blessed.
Rebecca--thank-you for your encouragement and I had to smile when you said 55 is sounding younger all the time. I feel the same as I grow older--and I can recall when I used to think, as a child, that 40 sounded ancient! :)
Robin--I love that verse, too! It's at the top of my post because it seemed to fit so well.
Oh Betsy! Please keep telling your husband not to say those words. Oh dear. At least we can also pray that his words will come to naught, right? I'll believe that with you!
Thanks, Everyone! Blessings, Debra