We are entering our fourth week of autumn. It has been a beautiful one. The sapphire blue sky. The brilliant colorful leaves. The final harvest of vegetables. The last burst of flowers whose colors  are muted, their leaves a softer green. I can count that it will get colder, the days with less sunlight and the next season, winter. The seasons come and go.

I’m reflecting on the recent loss of my brother, Roger. Below are the five of us a few years ago in Arizona.

The Quiring Five

We celebrated his life this past Monday. “Celebrate” is a strange word. Yes, we are glad he lived a good, long life–he turned eighty-four two days before he died, but I am sad. I realize he will no longer be with us on this earth. We were expecting it because he had cancer, but we weren’t thinking it would be that particular day–September 19. For man does not know his time (Ecclesiastes 9:12 ESV).
Since we don’t know exactly when our time on earth is complete, what do we do? The following gave me hope this morning: Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is (Psalm 39:4).
Through the first loss of a sibling–I have four of them–I realize I will not live forever either. 
This gives me hope and what I need to remember: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12). 
I am reminded of what I can count on in the New Testament: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, (I Peter 1:3-4).

As I began writing this morning, an old hymn came to my mind written by a Baptist preacher in England, Edward Mote.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus Christ, my righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand,
  All other ground is sinking sand. 
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
In Him, my righteousness, alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne.
~Edward Mote (1797-1874)
Today, as we enjoy the weeks of autumn, help us to remember our days.
“Lord, give me a heart of wisdom. I don’t know when my time on earth is ended, but I know You know when that is. Thank You for the hope You give us through the resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. An inheritance that is kept in heaven. In the meantime, help me be wise, and remember to trust and “wholly lean” on You, Jesus, You are my only hope and You are my righteousness. Amen.”
In closing, enjoy this old hymn written so long ago.
Get these Blog posts emailed directly to you.