What will the sunset of our lives look like?
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My mother-in-law was an amazing woman. My father-in-law is an amazing man. These former dairy farmers accepted a city boy who thought that he was funny. They got the best laugh, though, when I was courting Janice and spent my first day on the farm cleaning calf pens and trying to haul hay.
My mother-in-law, Lillian, has joined the church triumphant, and my father-in-law, Erwin, is in the sunset of his life. Mom wrestled with cancer and dad is almost 98.
I took this picture at Siletz Bay on the Oregon Coast when Janice and I had the privilege of taking both of them to the beach. It wasn’t the same as other trips to the coast. We brought food back to the room rather than dine at a restaurant. They were not able to walk the beach with us. It was a long night. But it was worth the trip.
After seeing the Christ child, Simeon sang,
“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”
Luke 2:29-32 English Standard Version
My in-laws have seen Jesus.
Like all of us they dealt with their failures, faults and fears but they’ve known forgiveness. A small country church with people like them nourished their faith. They welcomed people into their lives. God has already welcomed my mother-in-law into his kingdom, and one day he will welcome my father-in-law.
We will all face the sunset of our lives. As difficult and painful as dying can be, we can be sure that we will be received into that life, awaiting the resurrection, because of what Christ has done for us.
Copyright Douglas P Brauner
