Seasons: Winter — Monday
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)
“CALL WHEN U CAN LOVE YOU”
My dad wasn’t much of a texter.
He was part of the old-school generation of people who never really wanted a smartphone, and had little to no interest in becoming “smart” enough to use the one their kids bought for them. Most of his texts/emails were written in all caps, making it look like he was yelling at you or writing a ransom note.
But once I moved away, he didn’t mind the occasional late-night phone call. In fact, he really enjoyed it.
“How’s Nashville, son? How’s work?”
Our conversations bounced from one topic to the next. Movies, sports, family—we covered it. Sometimes we laughed so hard we both cried. This time was no exception.
As I told him a funny story from work, Dad squealed on the other end of the phone. “Oh man, I bet the look on his face was priceless!” I loved making my dad laugh. My older brother and I were on the short list of people who could.
Hours later, the conversation slowly began to wind down. Before we hung up, Dad’s tone grew a bit more serious.
“Son, I’ve got some news,” he said gently.
As he explained the test results he’d gotten back from the doctor, his voice remained calm. My ears did their best to process, but quickly became fixated on three words: Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Dad went on to explain he would start treatment the next morning. I did my best to match his calm demeanor, but he saw through the act. There’s something about being a dad that gives you the ability to know when your child is scared, even when they’re twenty-five.
“Son, it’s not a death sentence,” he said warmly. “It’s just a life change.”
That night on the phone, I assumed he was just being brave. Part of me wondered if he even understood the severity of his diagnosis.
But as his death got closer, I realized that even though my dad may have never been much of a texter, he understood the Text, specifically the words of Paul:
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life…”
Translation: ALL of us will die. But because of what Jesus has done for us, we’ve been given the gift of eternal life in Him.
Months later, on a cold December afternoon, that’s the gift my dad received—the kind of gift that’s truly life-changing, even on your deathbed.
Monday’s Reflection
Do you find yourself worrying about or fearing death? How does today’s verse change your perspective on it?
