My husband, Richard, and I deliberately ran away from the busyness of life a few days ago. We needed to withdraw for a while. He loves to visit museums, shopping malls and points of interest. But at times he will come to me with a serious look, and say, “It’s time!” I know then he has a need for quiet time, a time with no computers, no TV and, believe it or not, no cell phones. We found a little cabin in the deep woods where the birds wake us up and there’s a screened porch and a swing. It takes us back in time to a place that’s nice to visit, if only for a few days. Not everyone would enjoy this setting, but because I’m a writer and because I love my husband, I tolerate and even enjoy the chance to get away with pen and paper. Besides, it makes returning home to the luxuries in our life a big deal!

Our first morning in our little rendezvous, I watched Richard with a pile of books in front of him. He has an elaborate new camera that he is studying about, learning every little detail. This morning he looked up and announced, “ I found it! My problem is low resolution! And that’s no problem! I can correct that!”

I sat in the swing close to him, enjoying the quietness and morning breeze. We can change our location, but our minds go with us. This morning my 87 year old dad was on my mind. I could enjoy these few days because I knew he was in safe keeping. My sister was home for a visit and near enough to take care of any problem that might arise. I thought about how life had changed for him since Mom’s passing two years prior. Wanda is a nurse and had finally convinced him, on this trip home, that he needed a “dancing partner” to steady him on his feet. We agreed to dismiss the word “cane.” For some people the word shuffle brings thoughts of a dance step in years past. For others it's a card game term. For me, it’s the sound Dad makes as he walks close beside me when I take him out. This man has a sharp mind and a willing spirit. But his “basketball knees” as he calls them, are failing to support him. He has surprised our family in his ability to live alone.

On this morning, May 26^th, my mind drifted back many years ago, to May 26th, when my first son was born. It was only two short years ago that I bent over to kiss him for the last time, walking away with my other two sons and husband by my side. Death is so final. Yes, this was the best place to be on this day.

My mind then wandered to the exciting day we planned when we returned home. My sister had ended a long teaching career. We three sisters planned to celebrate her new life of no alarm clocks. We had warned her, “You will stay busy. You will have to pick wisely or every minute will still be filled!”

Life, good or bad, continues. Full days, quiet time. But never, never ordinary days. Those disappeared from my horizon with the passing of my son. All days are precious. Each one is an opportunity for reflection, learning, loving, encouraging, neighboring, resting, laughter, and growth in any 24 hour period. One of my favorite authors, Dr. Gordon Livingston, has written a book entitled, And Never Stop Dancing. He’s right. Life may cause us to grieve or stand still at times, but we must continue with hope and eagerness in our hearts and always dance.

King David in Psalms penned the words, “Teach us too number our days…….” Dr.. Livingston says, “Most people die with their music still inside them.” I believe David and Dr. Livingston are saying, “ Be wise. Enjoy your music, the music placed in you by your creator. Pass it on, you’re only here a little while. Life is a comma on the scale of time.”

By numbering our days, time becomes important. Others need us, we need others. If you are a believer of God, you know we don’t get to come back and try again. Life is for now.

Grow your relationship with Christ. As you do, you will want to take others with you on your life journey. As you spend time in your Bible, wisdom will demand you share what death can not take away; joy, and assurance of life to come.