Dear Rose Park,
Yesterday morning I had coffee with Leona Vereeke. She lives on Butternut right across the street from the Speedway on the corner of James and Butternut. She’s lived in that house for 61 years, as long as her daughter Barb has been alive. When she bought the house from our beloved Pearl Riemersma, James St. didn’t exist and an orchard was across the street. Leona has seen a lot of transition and change in her 92 years, but one thing has remained constant.
As we sipped on coffee and munched on cookies, we talked about all the changes she’s seen in her life; how in the past year she’s lost two brothers and a daughter. We talked about how it’s been almost 9 years since her beloved husband, Les, passed away. She showed me handwritten cards from elders and deacons. She told me stories of rambunctious teenagers and their rambunctious friends (don’t worry, they won’t be named). Finally, we talked about her recent diagnosis of lung cancer.
Leona won’t be undergoing any treatment and she isn’t scared to die. When I asked her why she thinks that’s the case, she said, “because from a very young age, I’ve always had a comfort and assurance of the Lord’s presence with me.” I smiled when I heard her response and in my mind I heard these lyrics:
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
Great is Thy faithfulness, great is Thy faithfulness
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me
Leona has peace in her heart as she nears the end of life because of God’s faithful presence to her. Though the surroundings of her home have changed tremendously in 61 years, the presence of God has never left her side. Like a Good Shepherd, God has faithfully walked along Leona’s side up the mountain and down into the valley. The best part is that God remains faithful to us all, even when we are not faithful in return.
Sitting with Leona over coffee was yet another reminder of how God keeps His promises to His people. His pardons our sin, He gives us an enduring peace, He offers His presence to cheer and guide, He provides for our daily needs and offers us hope for the future, and everything we might need His hand provides.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Mark