A Sad Week

It has truly been a week of sadness. On Tuesday we went to the funeral in our village, and on Wednesday we received sad news from home. We got a call from my father telling us that my Uncle Menno had passed away. I knew he had been sick, but I really wasn't expecting this news on this day. Why? Because last week we had learned that another uncle had been diagnosed with leukemia and didn't have long to live.

While we were still processing my Uncle Menno's death, the phone rang again. I asked Wes to get it, because I knew in my heart that my Uncle Don had also passed away.

I'm still in shock as I think about the fact that in one day, two of my uncles went to be with the Lord. The good news is that they both had their house in order. If you haven't read my previous post, you need to do so. The sad thing is that they will be missed by so many.

I think of my Aunt Vi who lost both her husband Don and her brother Menno in one day. I can't even imagine her sadness. She's my very special aunt who prays for us all the time, makes us homemade jam to bring back to Zambia, and always makes sure we come for dinner when we are home. Now it is our turn to pray for her.

Although we are so far removed from our families, I remember both of my uncles with fondness. My Uncle Menno owned a small country grocery store when we were kids. He spoiled us with goodies from the store every time we came to visit. He was a big man, with a big heart. My Uncle Don was a quiet and gentle man. I never heard him raise his voice or say an unkind word about anyone. I doubt if anyone could ever say that about me.

Wes and I are reading a book together called, "A Life God Rewards" by Bruce Wilkinson. Have you ever thought about the fact that this life is like a little dot on a page, and eternity is a line that goes on and on forever? Wilkinson says, "Jesus' teaching shows us that what happens inside the dot determines everything that happens on the line." Most of our life happens after our physical death. This is a sobering thought for us who are still living.

Well, two great men are gone, two families are grieving, but in heaven, two men are rejoicing with their Savior and just beginning their life on the line.