In 1969 I began my college career at Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. It was a fitful year that included dealing with newfound freedom, the ratcheting up of the Vietnam War, the institution of a lottery that determined who would be drafted to fight it, and adjustment to the academics (including the philosophy course that cost me my faith). I didn't know anyone when I arrived so making friends was important, too.
Some friendships became life-long. The following summer a bunch of us got together at my family's place in Massachusetts. It's been an annual event ever since and a highlight on all our calendars. We thought it was downright amazing when we gathered for the tenth time; last weekend was the 41st.
We've lived most of our lives now. Marriages, a divorce, kids, health problems, triumphs, failures, career changes, business partner problems, good times and hard times. We've all lost parents and are concerned about those who are still with us.
For forty years we've charged into this weekend and had a great time just being together. Competition has always been important. Early on we played "touch" football, basketball and water polo; somewhere along the line we transitioned into golf. Usually we're fired up and live in the moment for the whole extended weekend.
Things were a little different this year. Instead of mentally reverting to the youngsters we were when we met, we've been cornered by reality. George can't loosen up in the morning; Mark suggests yoga classes like the ones he takes to help this. Nobody's short term memory is what it used to be; Neil swears by fish-free Algal-900 DHA for it. Steve's been thinking about his own end of life and has his final resting place planned; my wife and I have been thinking about those arrangements, too.
We usually only see each other on this weekend, so we have time-lapse views of each other's lives devoid of day to day clutter. Because of the way we fast-forward through life together, it seems like yesterday that we had a sense of indestructibility and boundless futures. But a heart attack, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, macular degeneration, cancer and the deaths of siblings have demolished the illusion of invincibility.
The end of this life is eventually, unavoidably coming. The question is "Then what?" My wife Lisa and I will cross into paradise and earthly difficulties will evaporate. Only God and my friends know what's truly in their hearts and what's in store for them.
Christianity lets us see beyond the grave. Its optimism and happy anticipation of the future - even after death - is a lifeline to the hereafter that's disregarded by far too many people.
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Entry closes on 7/31/10.
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