I’ve shed tears already this week and it’s only Tuesday.  I’m sure many of you have also shed tears.  My granddaughter sobbed as she buried “Sweetheart”, who for those who read my earlier posts, have met.  Emma, through her tears, said, “I know I can move on… but there will never be a better butterfly than ‘Sweetheart’.”  This morning I received a picture of my oldest grandson on his way to his first day of kindergarten, with the accompanying message from my daughter – “He did great and I’m still crying.” I still remember my children’s first days of school – and the first days of college. Tears flowed.  I’ll never forget telling each of my parents goodbye for the last time, and then yesterday, crying with my husband after he had told his dad goodbye for the last time.  (His dad is still living at this moment, but does not have many hours left.)

“Real life”, and the way we live it is what gives rich meaning to the “endings” we experience.

Today it seemed appropriate to read the endings of the letters within the Scriptures.  I thought they might help me with endings I experience.  These Scriptures encouraged and challenged me, so I’ll share just a few of them with you.

    Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, [26] but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him– [27] to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.  Romans 16:25-27

    Finally, brothers, good-by. Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.   [12] Greet one another with a holy kiss. [13] All the saints send their greetings.   [14] May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.  2 Cor. 13:11-14

    Peace to the brothers, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [24] Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love.  Ephes. 6:23-24

    Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. [18] But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.  2 Peter 3:17-18

   To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy– [25] to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.  Jude 1:24-25