This afternoon I received some very sad news that my uncle had passed away. Although he had been dealing with some serious health issues over the last year, I am still surprised that he is gone and I have spent the last hour or so reflecting on my memory of him. As sad as his passing is to the rest of us left behind, there is cause for joy. He was a devout Presbyterian and a good Christian man who was surrounded by his loving family as he drifted off to a much better place. I myself take comfort in knowing that he is currently in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Although I try not to post family-related material here, I do feel it appropriate today, as my aunt and uncle are among my biggest supporters. In fact, I had just sent them a card with an autographed copy of ‘The Southern Cross’ last Tuesday. As my relatives have all been at the hospital for the last few days, it is probably still sitting in the mailbox waiting to be opened when they return home.

I had added some scripture in the card and it somehow seems fitting given the circumstances of today. I had quoted from Numbers 6: 24-26: The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace. (NIV)

My aunt and I had discussed our fondness for Romans 8:28 and at times like these, there is perhaps no more comforting a verse: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)

Living here in Virginia, I had not visited with my uncle in a year although I did see my aunt over the holidays up in Pennsylvania. Still, my mind is full of wonderful memories of spending Thanksgivings and Christmas at his house, swimming in his pool, and riding in his plane. Both he and my aunt have shared a great interest in my writing. Next to my mother and father, their validation of my Christian work has been a blessing indeed. My uncle was also a skilled woodworker and he made me a very special log-coaster out of a photo taken of me at Gettysburg in 1978. I have always treasured that gift for the fond memories and it still sits in our curio cabinet to this day.

Right now, I am praying for my family up in PA who is in mourning, and I will do the same at church class tonight. But I will also rejoice in knowing that my uncle’s life was a full one, and that he has gone on to a place of greater glory, of which I can only imagine.

None of us can achieve anything meaningful in life without the love and support of others and I am grateful to have a family full of devout believers, like my Uncle Jim, who have enabled me to be a far better person than I could ever be on my own.