Continuing On.....

The trouble with continuing on after a tremendous tragedy is the constant memories of wonderful past experiences. The memories cause a smile to come to your face but a sorrow in your heart that you will share no more of those experiences together.

We went to an auction on Saturday. Elizabeth, Rob and I enjoy the auction scene. It's fun to watch people and what they buy and occasionally purchase something that you think is a great bargain. One browses through the tables ladened with someone's collections and treasures, inspects the furniture for repairs and possible marriages of pieces, and thinks if that particular piece would fit into the context of one's own house. Elizabeth had viewed the auction pieces on line and thought there was one small end table that she might be interested in. So we headed out early Saturday morning to the venue.

It seemed like we both thought of it at the same time. And at once we remembered a really happy time. A week before the wedding, Kip Blanchard had an "Adirondack" auction and Liz thought it would be great to introduce Christian to a new experience. He had never been to an auction. So off they went, early, and had to sit through hours of hand carved duck decoys being auctioned at exorbitant prices,(according to us who know nothing of hand carved duck decoys). But after observing carefully he caught onto the process and then viewed it as a competition. (surprise, surprise!) And he had a wonder time bidding and obtaining some special mission style furniture pieces; a wonderful round table, a lovely medicine chest, a sign and a mint NY Central railroad lantern. When I walked in several hours after they had been there, he proudly displayed all of his acquisitions. He had fun!

We smiled at each other as we recalled that auction and the memories. But then we were silent and reflective. No, that would not happen again. It was fleeting, a fun memory but a stark reality is now. And again I'm forced to remember that our eyes are on eternity. And I can understand now the concept that He gives strength acording to our days, not our years. He gives daily bread, not weekly or yearly bread. And I see that reflected in our lives. Enough to get through the day and believe that He is and ultimately, that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.