It was Monday
It was last Monday morning. I had just arrived at the Northern California-Nevada District Resource Center for our regular meeting of the District World Missions Team. This display of items from decades ago is set up in the room where our team meets. I took one look at this roll-top desk and knew I just had to sit in this chair. See this typewriter? I used to hunt and peck on a keyboard just like this. I sat down. It felt right... so right, in fact, that I dashed out to my car and brought my camera in for this picture. Some of you "more mature" friends will recognize the Christ's Ambassadors banner far away in the background and the Sunday School attendance board on the wall. That's the way you did it back then. And it worked, too! For a while.
I feel so honored to be a part of this team that exists to engage in strategic planning to extend the "World Missions outreach" supported by this great district. Steve Brown chairs the meeting. Superintendent Jim Braddy is at the head of the table. Debbie Heden, Women's Ministry Director is hidden behind her husband Jim (lower left). We were introduced to a new member, Steve White, Pastor of Auburn Cornerstone AG, (top left) a small church powerfully involved in world missions. I was meeting Student Ministries Director, Eddie De La Rosa, (next to Steve) for the first time. (My extended ministry overseas had kept me from meeting some key people.) Then there is the incredible Stan Wagner (middle left), well known Pastor Abe Daniels, Bruce Allen (bottom right) who is moving to Texas soon, and myself. The positive vision-casting of this dedicated group gives me high hopes for the future... for touching every corner of this lost world with the love of Jesus!
As I was driving home that afternoon. My route passed by Lodi and the cemetery where my wife, Frances was laid to rest. I stopped for a little while. I found the grave marker covered with a half inch of fresh rain water. As I stood looking down at the marker, engraved with my name and hers, I noticed that my own reflection was looking back at me. It reminded me that my time is short. My days are numbered. I have no time to waste. I must be about my Father's business. I stood there remembering the good times with my darling Frances. Then I went back to the privacy of my car, bent over the steering wheel and let the tears fall until there were no more.
Before leaving the cemetery I visited the grave of our first grandchild, Sean Nathan, Tim and Cheryl's first, who went full term and yet never had the chance to see the light of day. Did you ever cry out "Why, God? Why?" Tim and Cheryl did and Frances and I did. But we are comforted to know that we will soon see a very handsome Sean Nathan over on the other side.
As some of us approach the day of our departure, heaven seems more and more attractive. We have so many loved ones and friends waiting there!
Jesus, YOU make the difference!
Ralph
