Susan Lafferty“To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). Paul’s words help us stay the course. In life. And death.
October 2000. The phone rang at our home in Virginia.
A friend living in Karachi was calling.
“Ed is in very serious condition. Please pray.”
A divided heart leads to ruin. Fragmented loyalties weaken resolve.
Consider Solomon. Wise beyond his years. Or anyone else’s.
The divine instructions are detailed. Laid out so clearly. In two recorded encounters with his Maker. (1 Kings 3 and 9)
But he fools around.
Taking careless, measured steps.
Away from wholehearted devotion.
Morning exercise at sunrise. Walking at a fast clip, tuned in to a podcast. Suddenly, there it is. Fragrance.
Distinct. Sweet. I don’t even have to look.
Honeysuckle.
Stopping, I turn and see. Down the the slope. A riot of honeysuckle blooms. Taking over the thicket.
