Perspective

As I continue subbing, I hear one common phrase uttered in most schools: My birthday is coming up. Reacting with excitement is absolutely necessary. It’s a little more difficult to react the same way when a student announces several times throughout the day that her half birthday is very close, but… in their world, it is important.

In stark contrast is the announcement at Royal Park about the birthday celebration. When I meet a resident and find out it’s his birthday, I congratulate them, but their reaction is markedly different. Sometimes a smile, maybe a chuckle, but that is about it.

This past week, I visited my aunt and cousin at Trillium Woods, a hospice facility, where my uncle spent his last days on earth. They exhibited peace, despite the fact that my uncle stopped eating on Tuesday. Our conversation, mostly centered on his unwavering faith in our Lord and Savior, reminded me once again of God’s faithfulness. Despite my tears as I remembered my mother’s passing, I felt this unbelievable sense of joy in knowing that both of our parents passed a rich spiritual legacy to their families.

We ended our conversation, agreeing that our perspective on his passing would be entirely different if faith was absent. It’s a perspective that repeats as this journey continues.

Word came this morning of my uncle’s passing. Attending another funeral could fill me with dread, but clinging to the eternal hope reminds me once again of God’s faithfulness.