Blogging now stands for what used to be called stream-of-consciousness writing, so here it is. My Mom died at 91, Dad at 76. I am 64, and at noon on 9/22/09 a team of highly respected doctors told me I might have less than six months to live. My parents got more decades of life than I ever will, but I am grateful that during my six decades I’ve enjoyed good health.
It’s really not about how many years a person gets. Rather its how we use the ones we have. It’s not about the number of candles on the cake but rather how good the cake tastes.
During these last two weeks, many thoughts have crowded my brain. First came numbness, then pain. I’ve thought about finances for the family, and also about my own uncompleted work. I also pondered soul-issues. In addition, many of my life goals will remain unreached, although I know now that some of them were unattainable anyway.
The family I’ve had has contributed strongly to the quality of my life. I’ve also had many opportunities, such as attending college and law school and participating in the military, that others haven’t had. I’ve been able to attend the best churches in the country and have been taught by the greatest preachers.
I enjoy a personal faith in Christ, especially now, despite the circumstances. I have assurance that it will all work out for good, eternally. (Romans 8:28)
If I could sign on a dotted line to get out of this, my pen would already be out of my pocket. But that isn’t reality. In the end, it all boils down to two things, just as the old hymn says: trust and obey. Apparently this is God’s will for me, and I accept it.
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 1:1b-2a)
Thanks Nate. A good reminder for us all. With kind regards, Jonie and Fellows
Nate….your words have moved me to tears. This is a beautiful picture of faith that comes from years of walking and talking with your heavenly Father. Faith born out of great pain and sorrow. “Faith [that] is the deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” Oswald Chambers What a legacy you are leaving!
Thank you Nate! This is really powerful.
So beautiful and powerfully said, Nate. Your faith and courage are a blessing. Thank you for your words.
Nate, I loved this! I think you have made a quote for the ages….”Its not about the number of candles on the cake, but rather how good the cake tastes.” How sweet our cake can be when we enjoy it with our Heavenly Father!
Thank you Nate. I will be working harder when I make b-day cakes from now on. It is always hard to consider those things we do not fully comprehend. (Especially for lawyers!) Like a roller coaster right before it tops the highest point, it is the question of what is to come that is so scary. I’m so thankful we have a FATHER that holds us in His right hand and keeps us safe on that scary trip. Truth is…..we all get back on to that ride because it was so good.
Thank-you for sharing with us Nate. God is being glorified even brighter as you walk through this. All we can see is the bright light of Christ and that is a beautiful thing to behold in someone’s life. We feel blessed to consider you as part of our extended family.
Margaret’s website is being shared with so many people, here in East TN. Thanks for your personal words, today.
The name,above, was to read like this one.
Nate..Bless you for these words of faith.
Ours thoughts are with you daily.
Nate, thank you for your truthfulness – both personal and Biblical. Truthfully, none of us know how many candles are on our cake. The truth is we all need to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ and live lives of trust and obedience, regardless of our circumstances. Thank you for speaking words of truth, for encouraging others by your example, and ultimately glorifying your Father in Heaven. Continuing to pray for you and your family.
Thank you Nate for sharing your heart. You have been an inspiration to me as you have responded God. I know that God is using you in all of our lives.I love you brother 2 Thes 2 16,17
Berv
I wish I can sign on that dotted line for you….
Thanks, Nate. We here in the high desert are holding you and Margaret up before the throne daily. A few years ago a friend put a quote from C.S.Lewis on my fridge that is still there. Here it is “We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us…we are wondering how painful the best may turn out to be.”
Nate, thank you for sharing your heart;so well articulated. Prayers for you and your precious family are spoken throughtout my days…and it is a comfort to know you acknowledge God,His truth and feel His peace. I feel so very blessed to be a part of the extended family …the blogs are such an inspiration. “Soldier on” (I love that). God Bless.
Nate you are an inspiration. Bob’s new motto during his illness was, “Today is the best day of the rest of your life!” He lived each day to the fullest–as are you. I pray for you, Margaret, and your children continually.
Nate and Margaret,
We are prayng for you as you “soldier on”. Thank you both for sharing so authentically from your heart and letting us stand with you with prayer and thanksgiving. I am praising God for Tillie. She was a timely provision, and answer to prayer. As I have read how God has prepared your family for this time, I can see His hand of love for each of you. Love, Debbie
Nate, I’ve always loved listening to yu share your thoughts. These words from your heart are precious and I’m blessed by your witness. Our prayer is that you would continually be strengthened by grace, clinging with confidence to Him who has been so faithful to you all these years.
Trust and obey with our eyes fixed on Jesus. Thanks, Nate, for being such an awesome example for us all. Much love to you! Thanks for sharing!
Glo & Ron
Nate, I admire your reflections on life. “The Lord is the source of all righteousness and strength” (Isaiah 45:24).
“I love You, LORD; You are my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold.”
(Psalm 18:1-2)
Dear Nathan & Margaret,
Ken called me yesterday to tell me about Nathan’s illness. I was shocked and saddened by the news. I remember being at your wedding all those many years ago. You were such beautiful and promising people. You absolutely glowed, reading your blog I can see the richness of life you have shared. There is no price which can be placed upon this. My thoughts are with you. I am also thinking about how generous you were with your time and your support of me when my father died just two years ago now. The estate is only now being settled. Thank you again for your kindness and support. I love you both. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know how I can help in this difficult time.
Love, Candace
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I wonder what Papa considered to be his uncompleted work and what his “unattainable” goals were… Did you know, Mom?