This week my bits and pieces of study leave comes to an end. The small matter of finishing the final essay for my supervision course stands in the way. These days every minister needs a supervisor, and soon I will be able to supervise others. Here is not the place to detail what that involves, but it seems a rewarding part of ministry in itself.
Next week my brother and I will be assisting our parents to move into 'managed care.' Their days of living independently will come to an end. The reality is those days have been ending for a while, with their memory loss an increasing concern for us. As independent living ends, apartment living begins.
The Monday after that I'll be leading a funeral for an old youth group friend who has had a three year battle with a brain tumour. The family are waiting for me to return to Auckland for the occasion. As his earthly life comes to an end, a new and different existence begins for his family and his life in God continues.
Our plans and purposes, even our very lives, come and go, they are 'like grass' as the Psalmist might say. Yet all things are known by God and God cares for us. Things end, but new beginnings come. For those who trust in Jesus, there is always a sense of possibility;
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory. (Col 3: 1-4)
Apostle Paul reminds us that in the endings and beginnings of life, God in Christ is with us. What endings and beginnings are you facing today? We can cultivate that hopeful life that trusts in God daily. As we seek to live in Him, so He lives through us more and more.