Ecclesiastes 12 Days

These past weeks have been a whirlwind of activities for me with all of the opportunities for fellowship and holiday parties.  Friday evening I hosted 15 people at my house to welcome a friend moving into the village to a home across the street from me.  It was a bit crowded serving that many here, but it was doable and everyone seemed to have a good time from the hugs and generous responses I received as the party broke up over four hours later.  On Sunday I had a couple over for lunch after church to help use up some of the leftovers.  In the evening I attended a Christmas musical program and entertained several friends for dessert afterwards.

I completed the book of Ecclesiastes this past week and have enjoyed reflecting upon many of the thoughts that have stuck in my mind.  I can certainly relate to the final chapter (12) when he moves his focus from youth to when we “grow old.”  The verses that start “Remember when…” used to be a laughing matter but now have become more a reality.  I don’t think we can be reminded enough to; “remember our Creator now, before the silver cord of life snaps and the golden bowl is broken”

Thinking of those difficult years, do join me in praying for Mary in Charlotte recovering from hip surgery and confronted with her transplant kidney from years back not functioning properly and possibly going into rejection mode.  For Ron here, who having had seven stints previously along with open-heart surgery is hospitalized with heart problems, and Stuart in Charlotte having additional “upsets” from the chemo program that he is on.  Also do pray for Rachel in Charlotte that is going through many tests to attempt to determine what the nasty physical problems are that she is experiencing.  So many friends are facing mighty difficult times, along with their families.  Some of us are experiencing those Ecclesiastes 12 days.  Thanks for praying!

I will be flying to Indiana to spend a few days at Christmas with my family.  All of my family members are planning to get together at the lake house, so my daughter say; “Dad you have to come!”  My doctor has armed me with extra medication which hopefully will keep me breathing in spite of the cold that is not kind to my lungs.  Hopefully the weather may break a bit then to make it easier.

Love to you all,

Chuck