Excerpt from 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; 5:1-5

"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without [God's] unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There's far more here than meets the eye. The Spirit of God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. [God] puts a little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less."

Reflection by Ron Buford

Shortly before Dad's death, I walked in on my parents holding hands in the dark. They'd clearly been in that position since before sunset, reminiscing and preparing for the tougher, shorter days ahead.

After Dad's death, someone asked Mom if she might marry again.  Echoing Cole Porter's ballad, "After You, Who?" she asked, "After James...who?"

Likewise, after shipwreck, beatings, trials, persecution, battles with folk inside the church and challenges of building new communities of faith, the Apostle Paul emphatically declares, No! We're not giving up, despite troubles.  After you, oh God, who?

I've found that the most intense feelings of loss in my life ultimately give way when I pause to recall memories of God's presence in my past. Just as Mom and I could still almost smell Dad's Old Spice cologne after his death, the "fragrance" of God's past presence remains with us and helps us look forward. Such is the value of a long-term devoted relationship, not only with those we love...but with God.

Make time today for the one you love and for God. Each minute is a brick in your life's bridge, not only over troubled waters and loss, but to a million cherished memories.

Prayer

Gracious God,
"After you, who
Could supply my sky of blue?
After you, who
Could I love?
After you, why
Should I take the time to try,
For who else could qualify
After you, who?
...I could search years
But who else could change my tears
Into laughter after you?"  

Thank you, Amen.

About the Author Ron Buford is Director of Development for the Northern California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ.

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