The Eyes/'I's" say it all

I have a picture of my parents that I keep where I can see it daily. Of all the pictures I have of them it is one of my favorites. Not only because it is it one of the last pictures of the two of the together, but it is the expression on their faces that makes it most dear. At the time it was taken Daddy's health was already beginning to fade and they knew they had limited time together and with the rest of us here on earth. Yet you wouldn’t see that in their faces. In the photograph they are both looking intently into the lens of the camera, so they appear to be looking you right in the eye. Oh, the message their eyes send. Even though you can detect the slightest discomfort (hers knowing her time with Daddy was drawing closer to the end and in his, the sorrow of leaving her and the rest of us) the greater reflection is of deep, deep love.

On the days when the weariness of the world threatens to steal y peace, one look at their picture and I am encouraged to continue to fight the good fight – just as they did. Neither of them was particularly “religious” in their faith, but the love for Christ and family was demonstrated daily in their lives. They lived what they believed. The “Golden Rule” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” was carried out daily in their lives. As I ponder the deep love they showered upon e during my childhood and as an adult I am overcome with longing for their presence. I miss them. And yet, because to the courageous way they faced life and death, I am encouraged to do the same. You see, both knew the power of God’s gift in the life, death burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They knew that His “I’s” carried the power of God, and they followed Him in confidence.

His “I’s” say: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

“I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, shall live. And whoever believes in Me shall never die.” John 11:25,26

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.” John 10:11

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9

“I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” John 6:35

My parents’ eyes reflected confidence and love in the I’s of the One Who loves us best. It is the message I desire that all will see. In His grace and mercy we rest in confidence.