My Coda

In music a coda is the satisfying elaboration at the end of a piece of music that offers a sense of resolution.

If I got the chance to have a final word, I am not sure I would have the wherewithal to come up with all the right words in the moment. But I am sure I probably won’t have such a rare opportunity anyway. If I am not afforded the opportunity in my final breath, I have it today. I remember how blessed Jim was to hear the words of affirmation and to know that the people he loved, loved him. The people he ministered to ministered to him as he ended his earthly journey. It is important to speak what matters while we still can. So, if I were granted a coda to my life, what would I say?

I am not sure but I do believe that last words are often best remembered. When we left ministries in Downey, Scottsdale and Illinois,, we carefully chose our parting words. They are part oof our life as a team to love God, hate sin and have fun. My goal is to

Of all of life’s blessings, apart from the immeasurable sacrifice of Christ, the most precious to me is the love of family and friends.

To my sweet children, Emily and Clayton: One of the greatest honors of my life has been knowing you and loving you from the depths of my being. I want you to know that I love you. Love is a word that is often worn thin and overused, but I mean it with the extent that it is really intended. You are my joy. I‘ve known your laughter, your smiles and tears, your quirks and personality longer than anyone and I am beyond humbled to have been trusted with your care and upbringing. I cannot tell you how proud I am as I have watched you move through life. Thank you for partnering with such godly people. You 4 make the world better and so beautiful.

I want to say I am sorry for the things I did or didn’t say or do to help you because I was too busy, too distracted or too worried about making a mistake. I will go on record, that despite your lack of memory, I did tell you to brush your teeth 2 times a day. I am sorry for not listening better to your heart and for wounds caused, whether, or not, the harm was intentional. The most difficult words to say are often “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”, “I need help” and Worcestershire sauce. Even if I taught you to say them, I apologize for the times I didn’t practice what I preached.

To my siblings (and spouses): You have known me longer than anyone on the planet except for our parents and a few relatives and friends older than you, but you also know me better, have put up with me for all your lives and I am grateful for you and your beautiful families who have walked with me through so many of life’s joys and sorrows, mountain peaks and deep dark valleys. I love you so. I thank God for the gift of such stalwart people to manage the chaos of growing up and come out on the other side with bonding memories, bumps and bruises and common strength. I think we are doing pretty well!!

To my friends: the wise saying in Proverbs says there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. I am blessed to have this sort of friend. You have shaped me and loved me and thank you will never be enough. I am so rich and I am who I am because you gave me the most valuable treasure in your friendship. When I am asked how long we have been friends I often respond, “Not long enough!”

To my extended family, colleagues, former students, church communities and neighbors: I am grateful for the ways our lives have connected and intersected. Thanks for your grace and the moments that we have shared. I am humbled and I joyfully embrace the reality that we will be together forever.

If I could share any truths for you to claim and hold tightly to,  I would tell you to:

• Hold the Peace
• Never waver from your convictions
• Drown others with joy
• Never complain and look for the positive
• Maintain perspective and humor

I hope you always strive to be happy not because everything is good but because you can see the good in everything

I pray that you are ever kind because it is the right thing to do

I challenge you to be fun (and funny), not because it is a defense mechanism, but because it is a lifelong strength and superpower that makes life better for everyone. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. Oh and always be a lert. The world always needs more lerts.

Lastly, be you. It is more than enough.

And, if you say anything about me, I hope I live up to my life goal – She lifted others up.