Firsts and Lasts

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. (Revelation 21:5-7, ESV). The last day of deer season came and went so quickly this past year. I was very fortunate to spend it with one of my dear friends here in Middle Tennessee. It was a wonderful day! The morning of my last hunt of the season dawned very cold with a bit of frost on the ground. As I walked to a barn where we would sit for a while and look over the hills. We had a few minutes to quietly reflect over the season. It was memorable for many reasons. We did harvest a deer for our wild game banquet, but that certainly was not the highlight of the season. Knowing I would face surgery in a few weeks, it was natural for me to think of it as “a last day.” That only brought to mind the many “firsts” I have experienced in my life. With “lasts” there are always “firsts.” It was easy to remember my first hunt on this property with Bucky. It was in this same spot. That was not my first hunt, however. That took place over fifty years ago with my Dad. It wasn’t a deer hunt. We loaded up to go rabbit hunting on a very cold morning. Dad believed that you couldn’t eat a wild rabbit until after the first frost, and he also believed that you don’t harvest any game animal that you don’t intend to eat. Little did I know how much of an impression that first hunt would make! It was a wonderful day. I didn’t take a shot, but I will never forget the sounds of the dogs baying on scent, or the sights of the frost on the brambles, or the smell of the leaves as they had begun to fall finishing their journey of life. What a day! All firsts make an impression on our lives. Some of them are good and some bad. I’ve had many good firsts through the years. However, as I reflected on the firsts, I also was reminded that there must be lasts too. Often there is sadness about last things. The last hunt of the season is always like that for me. Last things bring thoughts that this may have been the very last season. This year I know I have spent it well. I didn’t harvest the biggest deer. I didn’t set any records at all. But I spent it very well, time spent with friends and family enjoying God’s creation. Life is like that as well. I recall vividly that first moment when faith released the grace of God to work in my life. The freedom from guilt and shame that came with forgiveness was an unforgettable experience. It is a miracle that makes every other experience pale in comparison. While this miracle will never end, this first will also have a last. The battle between good and evil will be done. I will be ushered into eternity where there is no more sin and death, no more pain and suffering. There God will be my Father and I will be His child in a way never before experienced. Whenever that time comes I am confident that all has been done to insure that this last will be one of joy! This may seem awfully maudlin, however, it is a thought we all have from time to time. While I am not “ready” for that day, I am prepared! How about you?