A Lot of Lasts
This
month my daughter, Joanna, is graduating from high school. That has made this month both very exciting
and very exhausting, for her and for us (i.e. Kim and me). Last week was prom (for which she looked absolutely
beautiful!). This week was a track dinner, an AP English Action Fair, and an
awards ceremony. But not only has it
been about the number of events occurring, we all realize that just about every
part of this year, and especially this semester, has been a last in Joanna’s high school career.
There
has been the last football game (as
color guard), the last school
musical, the last track meet, and the
last orchestra concert. And such has been the case not just for
Joanna, but for Kim and me as well.
After all, we have been with our kids in the high school since Jonathan
was a freshman (2005) and in this school system for 15 years. When it comes to the high school, Kim and I
have been to eight years of concerts, football games, track meets, tennis
meets, madrigal dinners, musicals, etc.
We have interacted with students, teachers, parents, guidance counselors
and administrators. As we have attended various
events, we have a built a network of people whom we know and who know us. But, now it’s all coming to an end. By September, if we attend any high school
event such as a football game, we will no longer be the parents of a high
school student, but visitors from the community. It’s going to be very
strange.
Whether
we like it or not, our lives are full of lasts. We are constantly coming up against those
times when the seasons of our lives are changing and we meet another last.
It may be that last day on the job you’ve worked at for years; that last
night in the house you grew up in; that last day with your son or daughter before
they marry; that last moment spent with a parent or grandparent before they
pass from this life to the next. We eat
one more dinner together, spend one more night together, share one more holiday
together. And as we do, we hopefully
cherish each moment and create memories that we will hold close to our hearts. After
all, we will always remember our lasts.
While reflecting on the temporary nature of life, King
Solomon wrote these words: “I know that there is nothing better for men
than to be happy and do good while they live.
That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this
is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 – NIV)
As we go through life we need to be careful not to take any
of it for granted. Rather, we must embrace and enjoy each moment—especially,
the people in those moments—knowing that much of it will eventually come to an
end. And, as we encounter the seasons of change that inevitably come our way; in
the midst of the pain of moving on; in the face of another last, we must receive each one as a gift given to us by the hand of
our gracious and loving God.
Well, time to get back to a few more lasts. Have a great
day!
Pastor Tim Harris
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