Today is the first day of the season that we remember Jesus’ upcoming death…and our own.

The older we get, the more of our friends we bury. I just saw this poignant but faith-filled post from a long-time friend, Mike Darnell, Montgomery, Alabama:

Dear Friends,

It is with great love and care that I write to you. I want to give you an update.

Earlier this week I learned that my leukemia has come back and today I learned that there are no longer any treatment options available. Our cancer battle is done, and the Father’s faithful hand is leading me home. In church I have been teaching from Psalm 90:12 “so teach us to number our days”, my number is within view. I have weeks possibly months.

I want you to know my graduation is sooner than I thought and that I am looking forward to it.

Mike and I go back to our high school days where he was one year behind me. He comes from a family of 11 children. Mike is #4 (I think), and I traveled in a music ensemble with his older brother Pete and others in the summer of 1962. I reconnected with Mike when I was back in Alabama 2001 – 2006. A good man: pastor, counselor, a lifetime of walking with Jesus and helping others do the same.

Mike might not live through this Lenten season (on this earth)…but then again, neither might some of the rest of us. Lent is a good time to remember these truths.

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90.12, ESV)

The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4.6, 7, ESV)