Bye-bye 11-6-2003
“Bye-bye” are perhaps the two saddest words in the English language. After a week of relaxation and visiting with family in Denver, we were packed up and ready to leave. The suitcases were in the car, Bob was sitting in the driver’s seat – waiting. Lori held Abby in her arms and we stood on the doorstep – not wanting to take the next step. Abby’s mommy held up her little arm and waved, “Bye-Bye.” I waved back – keeping up the waving until I could no longer see Abby or Lori.
At the airport Bob dropped us off and we herded the suitcases into the terminal. We turned to see him wave, “bye-bye.” We waved until the car was no longer in sight.
How many times have I waved “Bye-bye”? I lost count. However, there are some very memorable “Bye-byes” in my life. I remember the time I waved “Bye-bye” to my Dad as he went off to find a new home in New York. We were living in Illinois and Dad was being transferred to New York. Mom was crying, so I cried as I waved “Bye-bye.” I didn’t know what to expect. (Dad got a cool house with a bedroom for just me.)
There were the times I waved “Bye-bye” to our sons Rich, Bob and Russell and to our daughter Becky as they opened the school door for the first time. It was a very bittersweet moment – especially for the ones that boarded the bus for school. They were so very small and the bus so very big – the school so very huge. It took all my will power to not run and grab them, hug them and keep them close to me.
The “Bye-byes” as the children went off to college were not any easier. My babies grew up into three fine young men and one beautiful woman. The tears were private, but there.
Saying “bye-bye” at the side of a casket is perhaps the hardest thing we are called on to do in this life. Family and friends become one with us. We define ourselves in our relationships. We enlarge our world-view by seeing through our family’s and friends’ eyes. The more we love a person, the more we emulate them – the more we become like them.
The more “bye-byes” in my life, the greater I appreciate the great sacrifice God made for me – for you. He gave His only Son – on the cross, for me – for you. Jesus suffered the pains of hell for me – for you. God gave His Son in exchange for my sins. That is Love. God’s “bye-bye” to Jesus allows my “bye-byes” on earth to be temporary. I am assured a place with the saints in Heaven. I know that I will be united with my loved ones who died in the faith. The sorrow of “Bye-bye” will give way to the excitement of “Hi!”
At the airport Bob dropped us off and we herded the suitcases into the terminal. We turned to see him wave, “bye-bye.” We waved until the car was no longer in sight.
How many times have I waved “Bye-bye”? I lost count. However, there are some very memorable “Bye-byes” in my life. I remember the time I waved “Bye-bye” to my Dad as he went off to find a new home in New York. We were living in Illinois and Dad was being transferred to New York. Mom was crying, so I cried as I waved “Bye-bye.” I didn’t know what to expect. (Dad got a cool house with a bedroom for just me.)
There were the times I waved “Bye-bye” to our sons Rich, Bob and Russell and to our daughter Becky as they opened the school door for the first time. It was a very bittersweet moment – especially for the ones that boarded the bus for school. They were so very small and the bus so very big – the school so very huge. It took all my will power to not run and grab them, hug them and keep them close to me.
The “Bye-byes” as the children went off to college were not any easier. My babies grew up into three fine young men and one beautiful woman. The tears were private, but there.
Saying “bye-bye” at the side of a casket is perhaps the hardest thing we are called on to do in this life. Family and friends become one with us. We define ourselves in our relationships. We enlarge our world-view by seeing through our family’s and friends’ eyes. The more we love a person, the more we emulate them – the more we become like them.
The more “bye-byes” in my life, the greater I appreciate the great sacrifice God made for me – for you. He gave His only Son – on the cross, for me – for you. Jesus suffered the pains of hell for me – for you. God gave His Son in exchange for my sins. That is Love. God’s “bye-bye” to Jesus allows my “bye-byes” on earth to be temporary. I am assured a place with the saints in Heaven. I know that I will be united with my loved ones who died in the faith. The sorrow of “Bye-bye” will give way to the excitement of “Hi!”
Who is the Boss? 11-13-2003
Art and Helen lived next door to us in Sebewaing. Art met Helen in the early 1920’s and they were happily married for over 60 years. We would visit with them often. I would listen as Art shared stories from his past. Helen would chat with Bunny as she kept an ear open to Art’s tales, in case he missed a part. One day Helen shared a story from the time she worked in a grocery store in downtown Sebewaing. She would wait on the customers, stock the shelves and work the meat counter. She was a strong-willed young lady, often making decisions in front of customers, something a young woman did not do in the 1920’s. She was expected to quietly obey the wishes of her male employer. The owner would yell out, “Who’s the boss – me oder Helen?” (Oder is German for “or”) “Helen is the boss,” she would reply. Every now and then, Helen would disagree with Art and she would ask, “Who’s the boss – you oder Helen?” “Helen,” admitted Art.
Fires raged to the north and fires raged to the south of us when we visited in Denver. The newscasters reported the progress of the flames in Boulder and in the Cherokee Ranch area. The temperatures were in the mid 80’s and the wind was blowing over 50 miles per hour. By Wednesday evening people were being evacuated, one fire station was lost to the flames, and homes were threatened. Firefighting efforts were hindered due to the state’s firefighting aircraft deployed to combat the worst fires in California’s history. We went to bed Wednesday evening to the orange glow of fires devouring everything in their path. The next morning we awoke to an unimagined sight. During the night the temperature dropped over 60 degrees down to the mid 20’s. A gentle rain fell through the night. Every tree, bush and blade of grass was covered in a thick coat of ice. Snow had fallen in the fire zones. “Who is the boss?”
The message machine repeated the message, “This is Dr.’s office calling for Mr. Cohrs, please call.” For two days my doctor tried to reach me when we were on vacation. “I am concerned about your x-rays. It appears as if there is a suspect spot on your lungs. I am ordering a CT scan as soon as possible.” The first open date was Friday. I drove to the center and had the CT scan. I returned to work. I pondered all of the possibilities and waited for the results. Monday afternoon the call came, “Your CT scan is negative.” “Who is the boss?”
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for many things – another year with Bunny, our children, our new granddaughter, our brothers, our sisters, our extended family, our friends, our co-workers, my job, Bunny’s job, our home, my truck, our yard, our church, and much more. I am most thankful for a loving God who has cradled me in His hand and sustained me with all that I need for daily life. I am thankful for Jesus, my Savior. I am thankful for the gift of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I am thankful that the answer to the question, “Who is the boss?” is not Helen, or Bunny, or any other person. “Who is the boss?” God is the boss. He has the power over the weather, power over sickness, and power over the world. He gives us what we need when we need it. He is always there.
Fires raged to the north and fires raged to the south of us when we visited in Denver. The newscasters reported the progress of the flames in Boulder and in the Cherokee Ranch area. The temperatures were in the mid 80’s and the wind was blowing over 50 miles per hour. By Wednesday evening people were being evacuated, one fire station was lost to the flames, and homes were threatened. Firefighting efforts were hindered due to the state’s firefighting aircraft deployed to combat the worst fires in California’s history. We went to bed Wednesday evening to the orange glow of fires devouring everything in their path. The next morning we awoke to an unimagined sight. During the night the temperature dropped over 60 degrees down to the mid 20’s. A gentle rain fell through the night. Every tree, bush and blade of grass was covered in a thick coat of ice. Snow had fallen in the fire zones. “Who is the boss?”
The message machine repeated the message, “This is Dr.’s office calling for Mr. Cohrs, please call.” For two days my doctor tried to reach me when we were on vacation. “I am concerned about your x-rays. It appears as if there is a suspect spot on your lungs. I am ordering a CT scan as soon as possible.” The first open date was Friday. I drove to the center and had the CT scan. I returned to work. I pondered all of the possibilities and waited for the results. Monday afternoon the call came, “Your CT scan is negative.” “Who is the boss?”
This Thanksgiving I am thankful for many things – another year with Bunny, our children, our new granddaughter, our brothers, our sisters, our extended family, our friends, our co-workers, my job, Bunny’s job, our home, my truck, our yard, our church, and much more. I am most thankful for a loving God who has cradled me in His hand and sustained me with all that I need for daily life. I am thankful for Jesus, my Savior. I am thankful for the gift of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Most of all, I am thankful that the answer to the question, “Who is the boss?” is not Helen, or Bunny, or any other person. “Who is the boss?” God is the boss. He has the power over the weather, power over sickness, and power over the world. He gives us what we need when we need it. He is always there.
The Best Gift 11-20-2003
Advent – the time of preparation. We prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior – Jesus. We also prepare for the second coming. Our preparations include Wednesday evening worship services, reading Advent devotions, decorating and getting the perfect gift for each family member and friend. Hours and hours of thought go into getting the perfect gift for each person. No last minute purchases at the gas station for this family. (Well, not usually.)
Christmas gifts are taken seriously in the Cohrs household. Our goal in giving gifts is to give one that is special, one that says, “I love you,” one that will be remembered fondly as the years pass by. Most of the time we give gifts that have meaning only to the gift receiver. As our children grew, we tried to give gifts that were especially longed for – such as a football, “Rainbow Brite and My Little Pony” dolls, Sesame Street houses, and a fishing pole. We would listen to the children to determine what special gift would be the one that was particularly special. We read Christmas lists, we would observe as they looked through the catalogues. Each Christmas morning we watched to see if we would get that, “YES!” that meant the gift was special.
As the children grew older, it became easier to give something they would value – money always works. But that is impersonal. We still try to search for the gift that will have the “YES!” factor. Most Christmas mornings we get at least one “YES!” One very memorable Christmas morning we got that response from my Dad. Dad would get whatever he wanted – whenever he wanted it – hence it became difficult to find a “perfect” gift. We would try and he would receive it graciously. Dad would often sell his gifts in his summer garage sale.
One year we found the perfect gift. Dad displayed a Christmas village in his den. His prized piece was a German lead reindeer display. He remembered them from his youth and it brought back happy memories of his childhood. German lead reindeers are very rare. They are also very expensive. He really wanted a kneeling reindeer to complete his set. (He had the standing ones.) For years he searched shops, antique malls, flea markets, and garage sales for a German lead kneeling reindeer. Bunny and I found one. We purchased it, wrapped it and presented it to him on Christmas morning. We held our breath when he opened the package. We were waiting for the “YES!” We didn’t get it. He stared at the figure in his hand as if it wasn’t there. He was very still. He turned it over in his hand. He finally looked up at us with tears in his eyes. “You guys – you shouldn’t have – oh, you guys.” We did get our “YES!”
The gift we received from God was the best gift we could ever desire. His Son gives us eternal life. His Son gives us the ability to gaze into God’s face – forever. His Son gives us life. As I remember the gift I have from God, I say, “YES!” With tears in my eyes I can whisper, “Thank you, God.”
Christmas gifts are taken seriously in the Cohrs household. Our goal in giving gifts is to give one that is special, one that says, “I love you,” one that will be remembered fondly as the years pass by. Most of the time we give gifts that have meaning only to the gift receiver. As our children grew, we tried to give gifts that were especially longed for – such as a football, “Rainbow Brite and My Little Pony” dolls, Sesame Street houses, and a fishing pole. We would listen to the children to determine what special gift would be the one that was particularly special. We read Christmas lists, we would observe as they looked through the catalogues. Each Christmas morning we watched to see if we would get that, “YES!” that meant the gift was special.
As the children grew older, it became easier to give something they would value – money always works. But that is impersonal. We still try to search for the gift that will have the “YES!” factor. Most Christmas mornings we get at least one “YES!” One very memorable Christmas morning we got that response from my Dad. Dad would get whatever he wanted – whenever he wanted it – hence it became difficult to find a “perfect” gift. We would try and he would receive it graciously. Dad would often sell his gifts in his summer garage sale.
One year we found the perfect gift. Dad displayed a Christmas village in his den. His prized piece was a German lead reindeer display. He remembered them from his youth and it brought back happy memories of his childhood. German lead reindeers are very rare. They are also very expensive. He really wanted a kneeling reindeer to complete his set. (He had the standing ones.) For years he searched shops, antique malls, flea markets, and garage sales for a German lead kneeling reindeer. Bunny and I found one. We purchased it, wrapped it and presented it to him on Christmas morning. We held our breath when he opened the package. We were waiting for the “YES!” We didn’t get it. He stared at the figure in his hand as if it wasn’t there. He was very still. He turned it over in his hand. He finally looked up at us with tears in his eyes. “You guys – you shouldn’t have – oh, you guys.” We did get our “YES!”
The gift we received from God was the best gift we could ever desire. His Son gives us eternal life. His Son gives us the ability to gaze into God’s face – forever. His Son gives us life. As I remember the gift I have from God, I say, “YES!” With tears in my eyes I can whisper, “Thank you, God.”
A Gift for God 11-27-2003
Advent – the time of preparation. The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional start of the Christmas gift-buying season. Thousands of shoppers head for the malls to find the perfect gift at the best price. I have been at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving. Lines are long. Store associates are overworked. Tempers are on a short fuse.
I heard one of my favorite Christmas songs the other day, “The Little Drummer Boy.” This song tells the story of a family who received a visit from the Magi as they headed to visit Jesus. The Magi invite the family to come with them to worship the newborn King. The family members decline; however, the little boy of the family wants to see the King. The boy travels to visit Mary and Joseph and Jesus. Gifts are presented – precious gifts – gifts fit for a King are given to Jesus and His family. The boy is sad for he has no gift to give. He is a poor boy, too, just like Jesus. He then remembers that he has a drum. “Shall I play for him?” he asks Mary.
Mary nodded and the little drummer played his best for the King. He gave Jesus the only gift he had – himself and his talents.
That song always sobers me. For I, too, get caught up in the mall, the shopping, the gift procuring. I rush from store to store looking, comparing, buying gift after gift. I spend lots of time and lots of money to please my family and friends. When it comes to getting the perfect gift – I spare no expense, no effort is too great, no mall is too far.
But what do I give to God? It is foolish to think that I would go to the mall to buy a gift for God, or is it? Can I not purchase an extra toy and donate it to an organization that distributes toys to needy children? Can I not buy a new coat for the child who has none? Can I not give my change to those who would benefit more than I? Is that not buying a gift for God?
But is that the best gift I can give Him? Perhaps I can learn a lesson from the little drummer boy. Perhaps the best gift I can give God is myself. I can use my God-given talents and abilities to help spread the Gospel. A good gift comes from the heart – the best gift comes from the soul.
I heard one of my favorite Christmas songs the other day, “The Little Drummer Boy.” This song tells the story of a family who received a visit from the Magi as they headed to visit Jesus. The Magi invite the family to come with them to worship the newborn King. The family members decline; however, the little boy of the family wants to see the King. The boy travels to visit Mary and Joseph and Jesus. Gifts are presented – precious gifts – gifts fit for a King are given to Jesus and His family. The boy is sad for he has no gift to give. He is a poor boy, too, just like Jesus. He then remembers that he has a drum. “Shall I play for him?” he asks Mary.
Mary nodded and the little drummer played his best for the King. He gave Jesus the only gift he had – himself and his talents.
That song always sobers me. For I, too, get caught up in the mall, the shopping, the gift procuring. I rush from store to store looking, comparing, buying gift after gift. I spend lots of time and lots of money to please my family and friends. When it comes to getting the perfect gift – I spare no expense, no effort is too great, no mall is too far.
But what do I give to God? It is foolish to think that I would go to the mall to buy a gift for God, or is it? Can I not purchase an extra toy and donate it to an organization that distributes toys to needy children? Can I not buy a new coat for the child who has none? Can I not give my change to those who would benefit more than I? Is that not buying a gift for God?
But is that the best gift I can give Him? Perhaps I can learn a lesson from the little drummer boy. Perhaps the best gift I can give God is myself. I can use my God-given talents and abilities to help spread the Gospel. A good gift comes from the heart – the best gift comes from the soul.
