A Life Well-lived: Uncle David

 

"For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and the living." Romans 14:7-9

When I was growing up, we would travel to McIntosh, MN at least once a year to spend time with grandpa and grandma Ramse and uncle Ben. Their farm is encircled with a shelter belt with a field beyond and beyond that a river in the midst of a forest. As kids, walking through the field and into that forest was fun! When David and Miriam would be on furlough and at the farm, David, Kayla, and Jonathan would join us for these backwoods adventures. It would usually begin with grandma expressing concern that we watch out for moose and bear. There was always a recent occurance or sighting. Heading out, uncle David and my dad would begin chatting and sharing childhood stories. This is one of my most precious memories of spending time together as a family. As we pushed over Boxelder trees, crossed the river on logs, climbed trees, ate wild grapes, bushwacked, we make jokes, laughed and heard uncle David and dad share stories of their childhood. Families who used to live in the area and are now gone, moved away, passed away, etc. 

My uncle David passed from this life early yesterday morning (October 31, 2025) to be with his Lord and Saviour. I remember him commenting several months ago (before his diagnosis of a fast growing brain tumor) that they no longer owned their home (passed it on to family) and that they would not live forever. They were preparing for an end date in this life and for that day when the Lord would call them home. With the deaths of loved ones, my parents and uncle David, heaven becomes more precious. Psalm 31 tells us that our times are in the Lord's hands. We can take comfort knowing that for us who are in Christ, He is sovereign over our lives. He is the author of our story; writing each page and chapter with intentionality, care, and to point to Himself. We can trust Him. May each of our lives be lived to shine His gospel with boldness, grace, hope, and love. 

The photo above was taken in May of 2012 when my uncle David, uncle Ben, dad, and myself traveled to Norway to spend time with family. Many more precious memories were created during those few weeks. I am so grateful to my uncle David for planning that trip and for those who hosted us while we were there!