It is the spring solstice today. It is such a big deal in sun-loving Sweden that they move the celebration to the weekend to make it a big party. (Pictures will come after Friday.)
Last night on solstice eve at 10:30, there was a warm orange-pink hue in all the visible sky.
But solstice reminds me of the seasons of life. I received an email that Mary C. from my church in Bellevue passed away. She lived a life that was a blessing to many. When Eric was taken by ambulance from church to Overlake Hospital’s emergency room in the midst of a seizure only a few days after brain surgery, Mary showed up there. She worked there for 3 decades, and knew that the emergency room was unsettling. She didn’t want us to be alone. What a gracious woman.
I received another email that my mother’s cancer has returned. Prayers are welcome. Another friend from church relayed that her cancer markers have increased. Last week, Anya and I grieved the loss of a friend and her Campfire Girls leader after an authentically courageous journey in spite of cancer. The seasons of life remind us that we are not in control. Time passes. Life passes. We are reminded to savor the special moments and loved ones now. And, I join the untold many throughout time and throughout the world that find peace in the hopeful promises of Jesus’ presence with our every step and every stumble, but especially the eager expectation of the resurrection when finally there will be no more sickness and no more sorrow.
Two highlights of the day:
I finished my grading! The silver-lining of poor distance student completion (36%) means that there are less papers to grade! (The dark side is that those who follow up later require extra effort with communication and coordination for closure.)
All my 3 wonderful defense committee members have relayed with kind words that they are willing to give an endorsement for the publishing of my dissertation. This is wonderful, as this distinctive group includes a recent president of the Society of Biblical Literature and one of the prominent leaders of the African biblical hermeneutics guild (hermeneutics is basically the philosophy of interpretation).
So, be grateful for the special moments and tell your loved ones what they mean to you today.
With blessings,
Beth
Beth,
Congratulations on a unanimous endorsement on publication from your dissertation defense committee!
This response should encourage you about the good scholarly work to which you have been called.
–Charlie