提摩太後書

Today was the last class for Paul's Life and Letters.  I was really looking forward to this class because 2 Timothy was the last letter/book that Paul wrote before his martyrdom.  I knew we were going to end this journey with a bang.  And I was especially looking to savor the last few hours with my table-mates, who's company I have come to really enjoy. 

In all my years of reading the bible... 2 Tim comes after 1 Tim, but not chronologically.  2 Tim, as morbid as it is, is like Paul's will or trust.  His final words before he knew he was going to be beheaded.  While going through the lesson today in our class discussion, more than a few times, I started to tear up.  These past few week's emotions crescendo-ed together as we re-lived Pauls' final moments himself. 

Not long ago... Paul wrote to the Philippians about his goal in life. The famous words of  "我只有一件事，就是忘記背後，努力面前的，向著標竿直跑" (But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal)  That was his personal goal.  His mission in life.  To press forward... towards his goal of evangelism, at all costs.

And in his final days... as he's in jail... waiting for his time for execution... Paul writes in 2 Tim, 那美好的仗我已經打過了，當跑的路我已經跑盡了，所信的道我已經守住了" (and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race.."  What a glorious way to bookend one's life. On my deathbed... can I say the same??? 

Tonight... we went to Erich's memorial.  Back to back weeks.  It's almost like 10+ years ago when we kept on going to weddings.  Then 5+ years ago when we kept on going to ginger and egg parties.  Now... it's taking a weird, weird turn. Erich did not finish his race... I don't think.  He did not see his son grow up to be the man he will be.  He did not finish his duties as a father.  And I'm sure, he set out to do a lot more for the Lord.  But are we really in control?? Obviously not.  

I wept.  A few tears rolled down my cheek.  I did not know Erich well, but I will never forget him. Until we meet again.  Just like you were my constant at all those kids' gatherings and only moms showed up... I can maybe hang out with you when I see you again in heaven.