Change

Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NET) - For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth;


Someone wiser than me once said that the only constant in the world Is change.

There definitely is a great deal of truth in that statement.

Over the course of the last few months, I have seen a building in various stages of demolition.

My father once ran his business from this building,

He passed away several decades ago at a rather young age.

He learned television and radio repair through a combination of a correspondence school and on the job training working for a gentleman who was experienced in this line of work in a city about forty miles away.

Eventually, my father knew enough to go into business for himself but needed a location within our town.

Money was a problem for him early on, but he had a friend.

This friend rented a part of the building he used for his own business to my father at a price that was more than reasonable.

Mother also helped Father by keeping the books and keeping track of his appointments.

My father began experiencing health problems and this friend of the family always kept the rent at a price my father could afford.

Eventually, my father’s health deteriorated to the point where he was no longer able to do this sort of work.

He no longer needed to rent this workspace from this family friend.

Shortly after that my father passed away.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 (NET) - A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot what was planted;

Mother and I continued to be friends with this kind man for decades.

Eventually, his health began to deteriorate as well.

He passed away a just few years before my mother did.

Over the course of the last several years, the building fell into disrepair.

Then, several months ago, demolition of the structure began.

Ecclesiastes 3:3 (NET) - A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

I would drive by from time to time to just to check on the progress of this project.

Each time I would think back on old times and enjoy good memories I made with my parents in that building and the good memories I had of this friend of the family.

You see, our relationship changed as well as I grew up.

Each of us shared a fondness for crossword puzzles and coffee.

We spent more than a few hours sharing both when my schedule would allow,

Although it was hard to say goodbye, I am very happy to have counted this special man among my friends.

I am also very happy to know that he has a place in heaven,

Ecclesiastes 3:4 (NET) - A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

So, time has moved on.

There is now an empty lot where the building once stood.

My parents have gone to be with the Lord.

So has this very special friend.

Even my fondness for crossword puzzles diminished with his passing.

Time can change a great many things, but some things remain unchanged.

My memories of my family, this man’s kindness and the friendship we developed will stay with me always.



Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com/ on Friday, July 6, 2012.

Please enjoy the contributions of my fellow Christian bloggers while you are there!

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 13, 2012.

Schedule subject to change.