Tomorrow, April 1, is an unhappy anniversary for us. It marks the 11th year since my dear mother-in-law died. Karen Boettger lived a life filled with love, kindness, joy, hardship, sorrow, and fulfillment–much like so many people in the world. She was a beloved child of God, and she rests now in his loving arms. My wife misses her Mom every day. They used to talk on the phone almost daily, and the absence of Karen’s guidance in Laurel’s life has been felt very keenly. Karen’s absence from my life and our kids’ lives has left a large hole where her love and joy once was; I miss her very much, too.
March 17th is an unhappy anniversary, too. This year on that date marked 34 years since my own mother died. Like Karen, my mother Sally belonged to God, so she is with him in eternity, too. These godly women shaped us immeasurably, and we’d love to have them shaping our kids’ lives, too. It is bittersweet for us that they went to heaven so long before us–especially that my Mum never met my wife or my boys.
These unhappy anniversaries are reminders for us that life on this earth is very temporary, and only life lived in Jesus Christ has lasting value. If we become too attached to life on earth, then we would lose sight of our heavenly home and the love of our Savior. Lord, as we remember with sadness the loss of our Mothers, give us grace to look to YOU for True Hope for our future. Thank you for loving us and give us yourself that we, too, can be reconciled to God the Father through Jesus the Son by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Mack Ames Books and Maine Moose Patrol 