We like to travel. Actually, we love to travel. I was born with the “let’s go” gene. And I believe the hubby was, too. So, we have done a lot of traveling when possible. Life has put a bit of a cramp in that plan, but still, we travel.

Recently as we were walking on one of our favorite trails at the lake where we’re camped, I said, “You’re 68. I’m 67. We need to determine the things we want to do, places we want to see while we still are able to do such.” He replied, “We still have thirty years of living for all that”. And he’s the math whiz??

We’re at the age when our “bucket list” gets a lot of conversation. But, truly, my main desire is to live out this last chapter in a way that matters. Today my Bible reading included Isaiah 58. Words like these:

Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood. Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. You will be the repairer of Broken Walls, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses.
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭58:7-8, 12‬ ‭

Oh, Isaiah, how powerful the words God gave you to speak. Did you know when you spoke them that these words would still be read over two thousand years later?

I want to be the repairer of Broken Walls, building again on old foundations. Not literally, of course. I’m a 67 year old woman with little to no constructional skills.

I think God is speaking of relationships primarily. Caring for those in need and meeting those needs as much as possible. The words that speak to me right now are these: “and do not turn away from your own flesh and blood.”

I know many people are alienated from members of their family for one reason or another. Sometimes those reasons seem justified. But are they? I’m thankful for the grace that has kept my family together, when honestly there are plenty of “one reason or another” for our family to be fractured and broken.

And then, for me personally, I’m acutely aware of my particular “flesh and blood” role. I am the youngest of four girls. My sisters were 18, 16, 15 when I was born. Old enough to have given birth to me actually. I always joked that I didn’t have one mother, I had 4 mothers. And I braced myself for the day I’d lose my mom. It was awful. I was 37, she was 78, and wow the pain was so deep. Now, I’m 67. My sisters are 84, 82, 81.

**momentary silence**

I feel like I’m going to lose three more moms. Of course, God only knows, maybe I’ll go first. But mathematically, my feeling is justified.

Sharon, the oldest, disabled sister, was just diagnosed with cancer. She’s mentally and intellectually disabled. Often I can’t understand what she is trying to say, or she’s having behavior issues that I need to talk her down from. I’m her guardian. Yesterday I visited her at the group home where she lives. She said, perfectly intelligibly and clearly: “Hi, Bunny, thank you so much for coming to see me.” She showed me the jigsaw puzzle she is working on, and I showed her the new one I brought her to put together later. She said “I went to Sunflower (day care services) today. It was a good day and I didn’t get into any fights.” I told her it was good to see her so happy. She said, “I am happy. I am happy just to still be alive”. Her voice cracked when she said it. Then she grabbed me and hugged me for a long time. I wrapped my arms around her and held her close to hide my tears

What’s on your bucket list? I’d like to travel with my husband. I’d like to see my grandkids grow to adulthood. Maybe those will happen. Maybe they won’t. That’s okay. Really, it is.

What do I really want to happen the most? Eternity with my family in heaven. Eternity in heaven with y’all. Circle unbroken.

Rebuild some walls. Restore the ruined homes. Do what matters