March 20 Blizzard - Welcome Spring 2010!

Well, all global warming jokes aside, it is the first time I can remember in almost 20 years of living in Oklahoma that we have had blizzard like conditions this far into March. Spring in Oklahoma. Usually by now the grass has been mowed a few times, spring perennials are in full bloom, flowers and gardens have been planted for the summer, and we've had to run the air conditioner for at least two weeks. Generally by now we've forgotten all about winter here in Oklahoma. Spring in Oklahoma means warm and windy, hot sometimes, and buggy. In Oklahoma spring kind of quickly fades into summer, but this spring eve we are bundled up inside, trying to decide if we should postpone or call off church tomorrow, watching the blowing snow accumulate into drifts across our yard. We understand tornadoes and violent thunder storms and straight line winds that tear down our fences and signs and Bradford Pear trees, but we are not quite so familiar with blizzards. It's an interesting phenomenon - and one we don't really mind - for now.

"May God Give You All Good Mercy"

Two weeks ago my father in law, Don Tschetter, left this earth for his heavenly home. It was unexpected and a shock. He was healthy - strong - vigorous. And, then, out of nowhere it seemed, he had contracted acute leukemia. His hospital stay was less than a week. As soon as we received the call from Carlon's sister who said, you better come now, we left for Omaha and had a day and half with our dad, who only two weeks earlier had been snowblowing! Graduation Day. What do you say to your family when you know you are most likely going to be leaving them for heaven? As his breathing became more labored, and my father in law knew he was preparing to meet his Savior, he said to all of us, "May God Give You All Good Mercy." And then, before he could no longer speak to us, he said, "I love you all." Less than an hour later, he was ushered into heaven. 19 of us huddled around his bed. For awhile we sang favorite hymns, some could only listen, and a son in law read a beautiful Scripture. We were all silently praying. Oh God, help us. Help Dad. Help Mom. His home going was quiet and peaceful. He was finally ready. We weren't. But, after 5 days of not being able to breathe due to his sudden illness, his body was worn out and the Lord gently took him home. Carlon's mom and sisters Cheryl and Connie had literally been with him round the clock since he had been admitted to the hospital. If love could heal, he would have been sent home from the hospital the next day. Before he passed from this life to the next, all seven children and almost every spouse, and several of the grandchildren were able to see him and speak to him, and he to us. The emptiness, the cold hard reality that he is not coming home, the homesickness for him - all are part of the fact that life on this earth does have a beginning as well as an ending. We, I, don't like to think about that ending very much.

As the children faced having to plan both a graveside and a memorial service, the beautiful job he and mom had done in raising these seven children showed itself once again. They sat around the kitchen table for hours crying and laughing as they remembered their beloved dad. As they talked they wondered could any of them actually speak? Cryers, all of them, the answer seemed to be no, we couldn't do that. But, the three boys who have done many memorial services as pastors began to think that yes, maybe they could - and who better to speak on behalf of their dad than his children? So, they did, and the service was truly a celebration of a life lived to the very end to the glory of God. At the graveside, as Carlon led us in prayer and read Scripture, his last words before we left were "Let the celebration begin!" And, without prompting or thought everyone said a hearty "AMEN!" Because, even though we grieve we don't grieve as those who have no hope. We know he is with the Lord, Who most definitely and without a doubt, said "Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home."

What do you learn from a life well lived? Well, plenty. For 39 years I knew Carlon's dad, first as a teacher and then a father in law. So - I've seen him in almost every situation that life offers, both heartbreaking and happy, and yes, he modeled what it looked like to be a servant of the living God. He showed me what it means to love unconditionally. As a new daughter in law I always felt welcomed and loved. A man of few words, dad showed his love through kindness and, as my daughter has described, twinkling eyes. He was compassionate and caring. I don't think I ever heard him say a negative thing about another person or institution. Even as Carlon was joking with him in the hospital about great men of the faith who trail blazed different theological paths, his dad said as best he could, "All of them good men." He was a servant to his wife. And she absolutely adored him. How many men draw their wives baths before going to bed? Or wash towels and have them folded and ready for the next day? He was a servant to everyone! He had a building named after him at Grace University, he had received an honorary doctorate from Grace seminary and yet, on any given Saturday he could be found cleaning the carpets at his church, Community Bible. He was a man of prayer. I know this because I see the results - seven children living for the Lord and raising homes centered around Christ. He was faithful in every area of his life. Every thing was carefully tended, watched over, taken care of. As Carlon readied things for his mom before returning home, he had the joy of being able to see just how well Dad had prepared for this chapter of life. Even the school, Grace University, where dad served for 49 years is having a hard time saying goodbye. For now, they want to leave his office there as it is. His was a life well lived.

So, now, we are left to carry on. Will we leave a legacy of godliness? Will we take the baton and carry it faithfully on this leg of the race? That is my prayer.