Good to the Last Drop and More to Come

by Pastor Wade

I had my last cup of coffee with my mother last week. It wasn’t particularly good coffee. It was from the machine in the hospital in Crosby. But it was okay, because these were precious last moments with her. Of course it brought to mind better cups and better times.

I had my last cup of coffee with my mother last week. It wasn’t particularly good coffee. It was from the machine in the hospital in Crosby. But it was okay, because these were precious last moments with her. Of course it brought to mind better cups and better times.
Usually when I would arrive at my parents’ house I would find the coffee pot on (go figure). And Mom would say, “I made coffee.” “Thanks, Mom.” “You’re sure you’re not drinking too much coffee now?” (Isn’t that what Mom’s usually say?) “Probably, but I’ll be careful.” (Isn’t that what sons usually say?) And then Dad would come in, pour a cup, take a sip and make a face. “This is awfully strong, isn’t it?” And Mom would say, “I didn’t make it for you. I made it for Wade. Add some water.” (Poor Dad.)
Isn’t that just like Moms? They have a pretty good idea what is best and healthiest for us, and they try to point us in the right direction. But at the same time, because they love us they also have a tendency to let us have what we want. (Psychologists might call it “enabling;” I prefer “love.”) And sometimes that means moms also end up coming after us when our choices don’t turn out so good.
I guess that reminds me of the way God also works with us. God has a pretty good idea (!) of what is best and healthiest in our lives and tries to point us in the right direction. The Commandments come to mind here, or other words from Jesus that would lead us to healthier relationships with each other and with the world we live in. We don’t always listen so well, or think we know best. “You’re probably right” we say, “But I’ll be careful.” And God lets us go our way and do our thing. And when we make bad choices and those choices come back to bite us, because God loves us and doesn’t give up on us even when we make bad choices, God comes after us.
Perhaps you remember the images of the Father that Jesus gives us in Luke 15…seeking the lost sheep that has wandered off…searching for the lost coin that has dropped out of sight…running to meet the lost son who has come to his senses: “But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.” (15:20) What a powerful image of God’s love welcoming us home. Parents when they are at their best…I know not all of us experience our parents in this way…but when they are at their best, they are like that for us, welcoming us home, hugging us tight, calling for the best robe and the fatted calf and the best coffee.
I will certainly miss my Mom and her coffee, but more than that her love and welcome. Many of you have been there and know and have shared your support and prayers with me and with my family. For that I am deeply grateful. Thank you. It is why we are the church and why God places us in churches because our earthly relationships are yet limited. And then we need other arms to embrace us, other love to welcome us. Thank you for being that “other family” for us.
As for the future…we have great hope…we are headed toward Easter and the reminder that even those relationships we think are ended are eternal and the life that seems to be gone is gathered up in the resurrection of Jesus. And come to think of it, since I tend to believe that heaven is going to be everything that is the best of what we have experienced here on earth and more – as God is planning a new heavens and new earth – maybe this wasn’t my last cup of coffee with my Mom. There may be another cup waiting for another day, and if it’s like the rest of Jesus’ promise it will be full and rich, just like eternity. Until then, Mom, rest in peace and thanks for all the good cups of coffee and all the loving conversations that surrounded them.

Thanks for being there,

Pastor Wade

Page 1 of 1 comment pages