Finally
If you are a regular reader of the thoughts I post on A Legacy of Faith, you may remember a recent post about a series of things I have experienced with my family for the last time. Due to the fact that our two youngest grandchildren have just completed their high school education, we went through what seemed to be a flurry of “last events” in a relatively short time.
I am typing these words as another one of those types of events is winding down. At the time that I’m beginning this post, I am the only one up. Our two female Cousins’ Camp “counselors” (our daughter and daughter-in-law) are still “sacked out” in their cabin (our combination office & bedroom). The male counselor (our son) is probably by this time either in his office or visiting some of our church members. The “campers” (the three grandchildren who could participate this year) are still asleep in their “cabins” (a bed in our guest room and air mattresses on the floor in our sunroom). The “brains behind Cousins’ Camp” just emerged from the ”cabin” she shares with the “director” (our bedroom).
As the events of the last few days transpired, there was a growing sense of finality to all of them. Something that at first went unspoken started being talked about as time went on. It became increasingly more acknowledged (maybe not fully accepted) that this was probably our last Cousins’ Camp.
One of our traditions is to have one of the male “staff members” or “campers” lead us in a devotional before we go to our “cabins” for the evening. Last night, the older of our two grandsons who was able to attend found a unique way to do that. After reminding us of the importance of instances in The Bible during which older generations spoke to and/or gave advice to younger generations, he asked the “camp staff” to tell the “campers” some things that we would like to pass on to them.
What took place at that point was sort of a combination of things which had both spiritual and practical applications. It was interesting to hear what the others had to say. It was also interesting and challenging to try to come up with something that I thought might be helpful.
I woke up early this morning thinking about things that I could have said and maybe should have said if I had been given more time to prepare. As I thought about all of that, my mind went to some statements found in The New Testament.
None of the statements found at the conclusion of this post are the absolute last words written by inspired men. Some of them are merely a concluding thought in a subject being discussed.
While all of that is true, I will conclude these thoughts (and Cousins’ Camp) with those inspired “finally statements.” At some point, something much more significant than a family tradition will come to an end. Either we will be alive when the Lord returns or we will breathe our final breath. As we prepare for eternity, we would be wise to keep the following words in mind:
- Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11)
- Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. (Eph. 6:10)
- Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. (Phil. 3:1)
- Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Phil. 4:8)
- Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you. (2 Thes. 3:1)
- Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. (1 Peter 3:8)
AUTHOR: Jim Faughn
