Teach us to number our days

Psalm 90 has the line, "Teach us to number our days...".

Last night, Jannie's mother, Anna Ferweda, 88, finished her days on earth. She was a grand lady and like a queen to me. What a Godly wife, mother, and blessing to the Church she was. She loved flowers. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren. She was a gifted seamstress, and could make such complicated knitting projects. She loved to knit wonderful jackets and hats for her grandchildren.

One one shared vacation trip that we had with them, Anna got sick. She had a throat infection. It gave her throat pain, headaches, and a fever. She never complained or let her condition become the focus of attention. I can still see her smiling in the lawn chair, waiving as we rode away on our bicycles. I had not clue how she was suffering.

In later years, Sjoerd (her husband) and Anna would go and visit the "old people" at the assisted living quarters. They were in their 70's at the time. Still eager to serve and be a blessing, they would bring flowers and chat with those dear friends who were older than them.

I thank God that He drew me into Jannie's family. Sjoerd and Anna have been such a big blessing in my life. I love the brothers and sisters as though they were my own kin.

Teach us to number our days, Oh Lord. May I finish my course with the patience and faithfulness that I have witnessed in Sjoerd and Anna.