A Life Well-Lived, Part 6; Closer to the Fireworks

Years ago, I took the kids, ranging in age from maybe 3 to 11, to Rogers Park in Warner for a fireworks display. We spread a blanket on the ground in a choice spot and all piled on it, in anticipation of some earth-shaking fun! After about 30 seconds, Timothy asked if we could move the pallet a little closer to the action. The fireworks were being lit at the football field (a quarter- mile away), so it didn’t really matter where we sat - our view would be the same. But we all got up and relocated about 20 feet that direction. We spread the blanket again and all plopped down. A few seconds later, Timothy asked again if we could move closer. Oh sure. Why not? We kept going until our blanket was touching the chain-link fence that circled the park. He was finally satisfied! I remember Timothy's happy smile as he stood – too excited to sit – hanging on to the chain links, as close as he could get to the fireworks.

Years later, Timothy came home from a mission trip with a story to tell. While on the trip, he had heard a missionary from communist North Korea speak of the work he was doing in that country. The missionary told of the constant threat of being arrested, among other dangers, but also of the joy of sharing the gospel with people who haven't ever heard. Timothy stared at me intently, searched my eyes, and asked with all seriousness, “Mom, what would you think if I went to North Korea?” Without hesitation, I answered, “Son, if that is where God is calling you, that will be the safest place on earth for you to be.” He never went to North Korea (to my knowledge!), but he was ready and willing - to get as close as he could to the fireworks.

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

“Yes, we live under constant danger to our lives because we serve the Lord, but this gives us constant opportunities to show forth the power of Jesus Christ within our dying bodies.” 2 Cor. 4:11