A Long Journey Home

We’ve not been writing over the past few weeks as we’ve been traveling.  After attending a conference in Winnipeg, we set out on a long road trip (7,779 km) that took us through the Dakotas, Wyoming and Montana to the West Coast (and back!)

We were able to spend time with my parents in Portland, Oregon and with Linda’s mom in Lynden, Washington.

As many of you know, my dad has been living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years.  It’s been a long journey, shadowed by grief but strengthened by grace.  Dad’s earthly journey is almost complete.  He’s receiving hospice care and could receive his upward call (Philippians 3:14) any moment.

I was able to spend time sitting by his bedside, telling him how much I loved him, reading him Scripture, singing and quietly reflecting.  It was hard to tell how much he was aware of our presence, but we were grateful to be there.

I would ask you to pray for my dad and mom.  They have journeyed through life together for many years (their 57^th anniversary is tomorrow, June 23).  Pray that God’s goodness and love would surround and sustain them.  Pray for Linda and me as we make plans to fly out for dad’s memorial service.

When I drove away from Portland, back towards Winnipeg, I was aware I had likely seen my dad for the last time on earth.   As we drove through Saskatchewan, God provided a most beautiful rainbow, a reminder of His faithfulness to His promises.   God promises that all who belong to Christ will experience a heavenly homecoming and glorious reunion.

Our long journey through the Shadowlands is moving us closer to God’s Celestial City (Revelation 21:1-4).  On the far side of the “valley of the shadow of death” lies the “house of the Lord” (Psalm 23:4-6) where all who belong to Christ will live forevermore.