It's A Little Bit Morbid ...

 

Mother

Elizabeth Phipps

 

 

 

 

I was reading an article on the United Press International web site regarding the honor of a state funeral awarded to Margaret Thatcher.    The article points out that Baroness Thatcher is in relatively good health, but plans need to be put in place for her memorial service due to the Queen's involvement in the service.  Another article reported that Baroness Thatcher will also be honored with a marble monument.  It's got to be a little weird to have the country planning your funeral while you're still alive. 

On my Great-Great Grandmother's marker (definitely not a marble monument)  is the single word,  Mother.  A simple epitaph which likely spoke volumes to her children.  I am also reminded of Epitaph of Thomas Lowe, which is detailed in one of my previous post Lessons Of  The Abbey where Thomas' life was summed up  as a generous man who was love by family and friends.  These markers are small reminders of lives that to many may be distant memories.

Many strive to make a mark in life, through fame or fortune that will carry on after they're gone.  Unfortunately, this doesn't always lead to a life of fulfillment.   Solomon writes:

Whoever loves money never has money enough;
       whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
       This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:10 

For the believer it's important to live a life that serves others.  This service may or may not be recognized during our lives here on earth, but God knows and remember us.

 

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14 

RFKC 2008

Once again, I have had the privilege of participating in our local Royal Family Kids' Camp. This camp is dedicated to providing positive memories for children who have been abused or neglected.   I always find that I learn so much from when I volunteer at this camp.  I have the great opportunity to work with Children's workers, Sue & Carolyn of Carpenter's Cross Ministries where I learn many things I can use when I substitute teach at our Sunday School.  But even more so, I learn about the hurt of these children who have lost the right to see and be with their parents through no fault of their own.  From a first pass conversation with these children, you would not realize the mental and physical trauma they have experienced at such a young age (the campers range from ages 6-11).  It's not until you spend a little more time with them that the pain comes out.  Their hopes that some how things might work out such that they can be with their parents again.  Their learning that their parents parental rights have been severed and they will never see their parents again.  Their prayers that God will look out for their real father or mother.

Also written on their faces and embedded in their smiles is the joy they are experiencing at camp.  They had the ability to participate in a talent show, where everyone gets cheers and applause.  They are able to ride on a sailboat & ski boat.  The list of activities goes on, riding the zip line, archery crafts and much more.  Although camp brings some fun, support and encouragement to the campers, it only last one week.  But we can take heart that there is an advocate for these children that can do so much more than we can do.  We read in the scriptures:

 

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
       you consider it to take it in hand.
       The victim commits himself to you;
       you are the helper of the fatherless.

                                                                                       Psalm 10:14

If you'd like, you can learn more about Royal Family Kids' Camp by visiting the RFKC blog and web site.