TSW ~ E.W. King: Is It the End . . . Or the Beginning of Life?

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Is It the End . . . Or the Beginning of Life?

by Rick Gregory

His Name is Rich. I sit beside his bed, his body a shell, worn out after 97 years. He’s swaddled in blankets, but still cold - his body unable to keep him warm. We’re at that holy place where temporal meets eternal. He’s dying and though he knows it, I wonder if he’s accepted it. He mumbles that his feet, elevated above his heart to keep from swelling, wrapped in wool socks, feel like weights and he groans, “Take them off!” His breathing shallows as his lungs begin filling with fluid; every breath reminds me how desperately we cling to this world, even as time and disease yank it away.

Here is where I’ve seen one of the strongest men I know made inconceivably vulnerable and dependent. But his very frailty becomes the canvas on which God paints His true story of love, grace and power. This is where 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) speaks loudest; “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” It isn’t the grand gestures on our part that demonstrate big love. It is the simple majesty of presence. Of being. Of watching, listening, where being outperforms doing.

As our lives wind down, we can’t help but see the Psalmist’s truth, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our bodies, the skin we wear get broken by time and experience, but our spirit, anchored in Christ, conquers. When Rich breathes his last breath, it will be a celebration of release into the hands of the One Who gave him his first breath. Darkness, disease and weakness will be banished, beaten. And we, followers of Jesus, are called to celebrate that exchange with courage and thankfulness that Rich is again strong, whole and completely healed.

This is the place where eternity touches time. Where mortal takes on immortal. Where the promises of God are never more desperately needed. Where Jesus reminds us, “When everything is ready, I’ll come and get you.” (Jn 14:3 NLT)

Rick Gregory, a well-loved husband (53 years!), father and grandpa living in Huntington Beach, California.

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