Early in my studies of human behavior, I was bothered because many of the secular theorists offered seemingly workable solutions regarding happiness, which appeared to often be missing among the followers of Christ. I soon discovered their theories fell apart when viewed in light of eternity. Conversely, the life of Abraham demonstrates God’s capacity to connect life on earth with the certainty of Heaven:

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:8-10 NASB).

Furthermore, concerning pandemics, upheavals in nature, and increasing violence, Paul provides an answer which stands in stark contrast to that being provided by the governments of the world, promoted by an uninformed media, and accepted by a gullible populace:

I am convinced that any suffering we endure is less than nothing compared to the magnitude of glory that is about to be unveiled within us. The entire universe is standing on tiptoe, yearning to see the unveiling of God’s glorious sons and daughters!  For against its will the universe itself has had to endure the empty futility resulting from the consequences of human sin. But now, with eager expectation, all creation longs for freedom from its slavery to decay and to experience with us the wonderful freedom coming to God’s children (Romans 8:18-21 TPT).

Several years ago, knowing the oncoming perils of Alzheimer’s were going to exacerbate all the normal storms of life facing us, Linda and I made a commitment to live victoriously in the present, and anticipate that which lies ahead. 

Live Victoriously in the Present

Friends and family often tell me how sorry they are that Linda and I are going through this present storm. Even though I greatly appreciate their heartfelt expressions, and at times am tempted to agree with them, I sense that God is working out a plan for us which will culminate in eternity. Malcolm J. McLeod expresses a truth which Linda internalized after Jefferey’s death; however, it took me nearly four more decades to digest: “It is indeed extremely doubtful that a person’s soul can really know the love of God in its comforting, satisfying completeness until the skies are dark and threatening. Character is strengthened most during the darkest days.”

In the past week, living out that ideal was quite challenging. From thirty thousand feet, it looked something like this:

• In an attempt to lessen her anxiety, Linda’s Primary Care Provider is adjusting her medications. Long ago, I learned that any improvements will resemble a plateau followed by future declines.

• Determined to get myself back in shape, I returned to the YMCA and began working out again. The spirit was willing, but the flesh screamed, “You are an old man, hang it up!”

• Linda almost always knows I am someone special, a friend or family member. Sometimes, there seems to be memories of a romantic attachment. I am very careful to be whomever she needs me to be.

• Singing from the Red Back Hymnal has significantly changed: Linda was once quick to tell me, “You are off key!” Now, at the end of a song, she invariably clasps my hand and says, “That is good!”

At night, alone in my bed, knowing that just five miles away, Linda is alone in her bed, brings the thirty-thousand-foot view crashing to earth: It hurts so badly!

Anticipate That Which Lies Ahead

Over one hundred years ago, Josiah K. Alwood penned, “The Unclouded Sky.” Almost daily, convinced of our destination, Linda and I sing it with joy!

Oh, they tell me of a home far beyond the skies, Oh, they tell me of a home far away;
Oh, they tell me of a home where no storm clouds rise, Oh, they tell me of an unclouded day.

Oh, they tell me of a home where my friends have gone, Oh, they tell me of that land far away; Where the tree of life in eternal bloom sheds its fragrance through the unclouded day.

Oh, they tell me of the King in His beauty there, And they tell me that mine eyes shall behold, Where He sits on the throne that is whiter than snow, In the city that is made of gold.

Oh, they tell me that He smiles on His children there, And His smile drives their sorrows all away; And they tell me that no tears ever come again, In that lovely land of unclouded day.