My sister
forwarded a photo of my dad to me today; one which I don’t recall seeing
before.
The picture
depicts my dad at the age of perhaps 65 or 70; 15 to 20 years before our Lord called
him home to Glory. When I asked her, Linda informed me that the photograph was
snapped in Robbinsville, NC; along a river where my parents had purchased a
cabin. It seems my dad was in the process of building a dock, though no
structure, whatsoever, can be seen.
In the
picture Daddy is wearing the most bedraggled clothes I have ever seen him wear.
His jeans are replete with holes, and stains, and his upper body is clothed in
a dirty t-shirt. In spite of the condition of his clothing, my father appears
to be staring directly into the camera lens, wearing a smile which might easily
compete with the sun, and with one hand raised in greeting, (or farewell).
Interestingly
enough, as recently as I came into possession of this unique picture, it has
become my all-time favorite of my dad.
And I think
I like it so much because it so well characterizes the journey we know as life
and death.
I think the
river represents the threshold between this life and the next. That both
literal and proverbial river we call Jordan.
My father’s
torn and dirty clothing speaks to the trials, troubles and turmoil of life, and
the manner in which it inflicts pain and suffering on all of us.
Whereas, the
exuberant smile, and raised hand is all about the conclusion of such momentary
symptoms, the joy which awaits the redeemed, and that one final opportunity to
bid a fond “fare thee well,” but not goodbye.
And if I
could select one scripture to accompany the photo, I think I might affix the
following caption:
“For I
reckon that the sufferings of this present life are not worthy to be compared
to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 42. By William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending.
If you wish to copy, save or share, please include the credit line, above
(Mc)Donald's Daily Diary. Vol. 42. By William McDonald, PhD. Copyright pending.
If you wish to copy, save or share, please include the credit line, above
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