Murray's Meanderings

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By Murray Smoot
In Honor of Dottie's Birthday (3/31)

(Written for the March 2003 issue of Oak Crest's "Village Voice" newspaper-slightly edited)

Little did I know...

Now as I lay on my bed and I look up at the wall I see nothing but the pictures of my life's compassion and companion of sixty years. I see overhead my painting of Nepal's Mt. Everest and my first major work of many years ago. I had just had my second book published, Under Rower - the story of my life and dedicated to Dottie's loving memory.

They speak of everything I have lost. I have lost my wife a little better than a year ago. I have lost the creative ability of my right hand, writing, acting crazy for Oak Crest's "Village Vaude Villiens", singing with the choral group, and above all my ministry in teaching and preaching the Word of God. Why not just give in and give up?

Because I have my God. I have all the "great and precious promises" in the Bible. As Pastor Kline (of Oak Crest) said recently, I am part of God's Kingdom here on earth.

What lies ahead? The losses have been horrendous - but God's promises far outweigh them all.

Thanks for this forum which lets me put in a word for anyone who may be discouraged from life's raw dealings.