The Circle Of Life

     Disney’s, The Lion King, made the phrase “The Circle of Life” a common refrain in American households.  Its main point was that life is a cycle of birth, death, and birth.  One generation moves on and another takes its place.  Birth and death are natural events and they shouldn’t surprise us.

     Yet, we are, no matter how young or old, death never seems to be pleasant or “natural”.  The scripture tells us that death is the last great enemy to be defeated.  When Jesus rose from the grave he was declaring an end to its power, and giving us all hope for a resurrection.  Of course, until Jesus returns, and brings about the consummation of the age, death will continue, but not without hope.

     It is our hope in Jesus that allows us to grieve without despair.  Jesus is the resurrection and our faith in him promises our resurrection to eternal life.   That is the great hope for the future, and the strong anchor in the present.  We continue on in the face of death because we know that it is not the end, but the beginning of life.  We accept it by faith rooted in the fact of Jesus’ resurrection.  We accept it by faith rooted in the character of God.  We accept it by faith rooted in God’s love and faithfulness.

     As many of you know, my mother passed away a couple of weeks ago.  She was 82 years old and in failing health.  We had talked about her faith, and she confessed Christ as savior of her life.  She wasn’t perfect, who of us are, but she was an example of a life of sacrifice for her family.  The last years of her life were painful, physically and emotionally, but now she stands before her savior whole, without pain, and with full assurance of God’s love.  She will be missed, but she now experiences the power over death, it has been defeated!

     But my mom’s death isn’t an end, because she and my dad leave a legacy of life.  Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren continue the circle of life.  With death a baby is born and it becomes our responsibility as part of that legacy to make the most of our life.  How do we love others and how do we love God?  We often worry about forgetting those who have gone before us, but each time I look into the face of my children and grand children and glimpse my mother and father’s reflection, I am reminded of my responsibility to lead them in the path of righteousness, so that they too will carry on a legacy of faith. 

     These past two weeks have been a whirlwind, but I am at peace because I know my mom is at peace.  And when I look into the faces of my grand children and hear them squeal with delight and the innocence of their youth, I am filled with hope and promise.  I’m Just Saying…..