TODAY I’M NEARER TO MY HOME

One sweetly solemn tho’t  Comes to me o’er and o’er:  Today I’m nearer to my home  Than e’er I’ve been before.

            Last night after supper my wife and I traveled to the Poland Hospice House to visit Doug Cassidy.  As most of you know, Doug was diagnosed with cancer several months ago and his battle is now nearing the end.  Since inten-sified restrictions are currently being imposed in such hospital settings, we were not allowed inside.  We stood outside the windows of his room and prayed with Doug and his faithful wife, Chrissy, and his in-laws.  We prayed assuming that Doug could hear us, even though he offered no obvious response.  What does one say to a new brother in Christ who is slipping o’er the brink (to borrow Phoebe Cary’s phrase in her chilling hymn, “One Sweetly Solemn Thought")?

            We thanked God for Doug’s newly-found faith in Christ Jesus which has served to vanquish the cloud of spiritual  death.  We expressed gratitude for God’s rich gift in the person of Doug's devoted wife.  What a blessing to transition to the world above enveloped by the love of family and friends.  And what a joy it is to anticipate being greeted with open arms by one’s Savior and heavenly Father.  And how wonderful it is to cling to the Word of God:  there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom.8:1).   

            At 6’ 3”, Doug was one stout guy.  Although he was slim he was always strong - - he had a handshake like a vice.   His body was athletic and agile and it was complemented by a mind that was quick-witted and smart.  Seeing Doug wither away has broken our heart, but it has also served to remind us all that even the strongest among us will someday grow weak.  Deadly diseases bring with them a renewed awareness of our own fragility.  Scripture warns:  let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1Cor.10:12).  WITNESSING OTHERS DIE IS A TRULY HUMBLING EXPERIENCE.  As Solomon forewarned, from a physical point of view, we are all destined to return to the dust from whence we came (Eccl.3:20).   

            "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour.”  We are all on the road to eternity and the wise among us with determine to walk that road with God.  Every day is a gift and we must learn to make the most of our opportunities (Col.4:5).  For those of us who feel healthy and robust, it remains a sobering thought to contemplate that from the day of our birth, every new day brings us nearer to our home than we’ve ever been before. 

                                                                                 Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ