Friday reflections
memento mori
Around this time of year we often have some milder weather and then another cold front sneaks in. The beginning of the week brought us that. I always tend to put away our heavier winter gear too soon (partly as an act of defiance and delusion, thinking if I put them away then surely we won’t need them) but I had to bring them back out this Tuesday so we could bundle up and go on a walk with one of my dear friends and catch up.
In January, Anderson and I attempted to go visit some friends in D.C. two weekends in a row and there were snow storms each weekend. So, we planned a month or two ahead, when snow should not be an issue. Well, that weekend is this one! So off we go and we are really looking forward to catching up with these friends. I am also looking forward to the car ride alone with Anderson, getting coffee and enjoying good food, hopefully exploring some fun shops, and being in a new place for a change of pace.
Plus, this weekend marks the start of spring and we will be in D.C. so I am hoping to see some cherry blossoms!
Yesterday I came to a startling passage in Scripture about a king of Judah, the son of King Jehoshaphat (unfortunate name, honorable man). King Jehoshaphat was one of the few leaders of the people of Israel who followed the Lord. Sadly, his son, King Jehoram, did not.
King Jehoram did “what was evil in the sight of the Lord” (2 Chronicles 21:6) and even killed all his brothers in order to secure his place as king (I had to go back and read that one twice to make sure I had read it right). He was a horrible man and so God brought about judgement.
Elijah sent him a letter stating what the Lord had decided to do, which was to strike his people, sons, wives, and possessions with a horrible affliction and also give him an intestinal disease which would cause his intestines to come out of his body.
And this occurred.
Jesus said, “out of an abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” We speak and act out of whatever goodness is in our hearts. And King Jehoram committed so many acts of evil he eventually had his insides on the outside of him.
All of this story was interesting to read but the part that startled me the most was this line: “[King Jehoram] died to no one’s regret” (2 Chronicles 21:20).
He died and no one missed him. No one mourned him. No one wished he had lived longer. It even says they did not perform the ceremonial customs they typically would for a ruler who passed.
I’m sure no one would like this to be said about them upon their death.
There is a Latin phrase I am sure you have heard of memento mori, or remember you will die. This is the time to think upon this, as we are in the season of Lent and had Ash Wednesday only a few weeks ago.
While not the most uplifting thought it is a reality and one we should consider. We all have our faults, failings, quirks, and vices. But are we seeking to cultivate virtue or just going about life, dismissing our sin, or totally unaware of it? Are we desiring to bring the Kingdom of God to our small little kingdoms—our homes, places of work, relationships? Are we living with intention or apathy?
There is goodness in living one’s life well, the season we are in well, not just because it is better for us (it is) but also it is better for others1. How we spend our days and lives matters. How we speak to one another matters. How we care for the people in our lives.
This is convicting for me to write and I pray I can do better on my journey. I pray the same for you.
and now for some recommendations…
to read… I finally made it through my pile of books. One I really enjoyed and has brought about many interesting conversations with Anderson and continued reflection for me is “What is Wrong with the World” by G.K. Chesterton.
to savor… I had some buttermilk I needed to use this past week so I made these sourdough biscuits. They were very good! I put most of them in the freezer so we have them on hand for the future.
to quote… “We should always have something worth while to think about, that we may not let our minds dwell upon unworthy matters.” -Charlotte Mason
Alan Noble writes about this in his book Getting out of Bed, particular as it pertains to dealing with significant bouts of anxiety and depression. I really enjoyed his thoughts.