Life is Fleeting

"God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.  For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."  ~Ephesians 2:8-10 New Living Translation

I love the translation from NLT because of the wording.  Hearing that we are God's masterpiece - like a fine piece of art.  And that we are created anew in our faith by and in Him so that we can do the will of Christ Jesus - part of His plan for us and our life. 

Last night I heard news of my Great Unlce Rein's passing.  He had been unwell for awhile and we knew the day would be coming soon but it is still never easy to loose those we love.  I am grateful for the promise from God that we are saved through faith and therefore have eternal life.  Uncle Rein is now free from pain and discomfort and reunited with loved ones in heaven - his parents (my Great Grandma and Great Grandpa Sommerfeld), wife (Auntie Ella), and two brothers (Helm and Oscar, who was my Beloved Grandfather).  Times like this always cause me to stop and reflect on life - how I am living my life and if I am living it in a way that is pleasing to God.  It also has me reflecting on memories and special moments with those loved ones who have gone before.

I remember spending time visiting Uncle Rein and Auntie Ella when I was a child in their four story split home in Regina.  I remember sitting quietly in the living room visiting with the adults (being in awe of the art on the wall and loving the Hummel figurines that Auntie Ella collected) and then running around the basement playing hide and seek.  I remember the wonderful meals Auntie Ella made and the delicious desserts from cakes to muffins she would always serve with tea, similar to my Grandma Martha - such comfort and hospitality in that.  An art that has been lost on me as I don't spend a lot of time baking.  I remember having all the family at my confirmation - May 31, 1988.  I am including a picture of my Uncle Rein and I - it was taken when he told me what a special day for him to be included in as it was 50 years before to the day that he was confirmed.  I remember writing letters to Uncle Rein and Auntie Ella once they moved to BC and then visiting them a couple times there, once when we had discovered Auntie Ella was sick with cancer.  I remember in University when Uncle Rein was visiting and I interviewed him and Grandpa at my apartment for a university paper.  We talked of days when they were boys, immigrating to Canada, and their school days and what life was like for them in a new country.  What a special evening that was to hear their stories.  I actually got 100% on that paper and it was added to our family Sommerfeld Saga.  So many fond memories of time with family.  I am so grateful for the loving family I am a part of and that has helped to form me to be the person I am today.  So if I don't say it enough, know that I appreciate each one of you and love you so much!  Life is so short and I want to make sure I show my appreciation, love, and gratitude to those around me.