As the Life of a Flower …

“… All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.  The grass withers, and its flower falls away, But the word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:24-25)

Everyone needs to just get away from the craziness of life and all of the demands that continually appeal to us from time to time.

While relaxing in the mountains Lori and I spent every morning and evening for the better part of two weeks … sipping coffee … watching a playful and hungry squirrel in the tall trees … and we watched the knockout roses grow and bloom.  What a wonderful experience!

While we were away we received a delayed text as there was only spotty cell service. The text read “my sweet mom passed away this afternoon …” My heart sank.  I was hoping to see her just one more time so we could express our deep love and admiration for her wonderful life … but the opportunity didn’t materialize.  And I am so sad that it didn’t!

Her name was Cora Mae Arnold … a Hodge by birth … a part of the dynamic duo of Hodge sisters who played for the small town of Colony, Oklahoma girls’ basketball team.  She was such a good woman from every perspective.  You see … my aunt Cora loved the Lord with all of her heart … she loved and was devoted to her husband of 73 years named Eldon.  He was one of the humblest and most gentle-minded men you could have had the privilege to know and be around.

Cora Mae lived to be 94 years old and what a life of kindness … laughter … empathy … and just genuine compassion for those she knew.

I couldn’t help but think as I sat out on the front porch that Sunday evening as I looked at the flowers how much life is like those flowers.  They grow and develop … first as a small bud that soon expands and opens its canopy to unfold the most beautiful of flowers.  There for a few days to brighten the world around them … then they begin to wither and one by one the petals cascade down to the flowerbed below!

Isn’t this how each of our lives could be described?  We’re only here on earth for a short time and we need to strive to bring out the fragrance and beauty of God’s love that is within our hearts … words … and deeds.  That’s what Cora Mae did!  Every day she made those who were around her … those who knew her … smile … and feel better about the world!  She was a trusted confidant to those who needed her wisdom and loving care.

She reminds me even now in so many ways of my mother.  They had many of the same attitudes … gestures … expressions.  But what they shared the most was their love for the Lord and His word!  I miss my mother and I miss Cora Mae and the other sisters and one brother that made up the Hodge clan.  But the absence of their physical presence does not lead me to despair but rather to share in the same hope they shared in, that of pleasing the Lord and one day being able to hear Him say “Well done, my good and faithful servant.  Enter into the joys of thy Lord.” May their tribe increase …

In Loving Admiration,

 Bill Fairchild, Jr.

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