REFLECTIONS!

Reflections can mean just about anything. For Dakota it is a reflection of herself in the Lake James water. Her very favorite place. It is taking movies of her getting in the water, so I can look at them later. I do admit, that I wonder each time up there, is this the last time?

It can be reflecting on one's past and making determinations about the special learning's and how you changed. It can also mean "Wow, I still haven't got that!"

It can mean, reflecting on one's future and also wondering what do I still need to learn and will I get it? What is in God's plan for my life? There are a lot more questions there, I believe then about what we have already experienced.

And, without a doubt there is a lot to reflect on when God takes special people away to be with Him. I have been reflecting a lot on John Martin Smith and his wife Bobbie leaving our community at this time. John just had a two hour lunch with John Martin Tuesday, they sat and planned a Carriage House to be built in John Martin's back yard on the farm. How they would move in their summer, and let Thom and Jama take over the Brick. John got right down to business and did a rendering of the Carriage House and had it almost done Wednesday evening. And, then everything changed. a good friend, a gracious kind human being and his good wife Bobbie were taken away. People that brought so much to our community. People who cared about our community. People who changed things in our community because of that love.

In reflecting on the why, and why now, it soon becomes evident. That it is life and things can't always go on forever. I remembered thinking back in 2002 that my parents would certainly go on forever. They had so far. Dad was 90 and climbing ladders to clean out eaves. They went anywhere they wanted and did whatever they wanted. Never ill, never even a cold. And, then it stopped as suddenly as a doctors visit. Out of the clear blue, you realize, this isn't going to last forever.

God brought a peace this week to my heart in remembering that life is for the living, so live it well and always bring glory to God in your living well. John Martin and Bobbie both did that. My last contact with them at the fair, I thought, how gracious and full of life are these two. John Martin with all his ideas and plans. So, now I reflect that it is the bottom line to living your life. It won't change. God never changes. Live your life full and large all to the glory of the Lord.

We can always remember and glory in what these two people brought, how they mirrored life for God. I want that too. Thank You John Martin and Bobbie Smith!