Some time ago Tom Cormier suggested that we might write our epitaphs - in twenty words. I have thought about that off and on. For the last year or so I've been keeping a "Spiritual Journal" containing some meditations and thoughts that come after reading a passage in The Bible, reflecting on a good sermon or on events, people and places I encounter. I gave that journal a title that - as I think about it - sums up as well as words can - how I perceive what my life has been and for what I would like to be remembered.
I like to use Latin phrases because that long-dead language is both beautiful when spoken and has the power to express ideas very succinctly. I titled my spiritual journal:
AD DEUS PER ASPERA
And I can think of no more fitting way to sum up my journey through this world which began a little over 82 years ago. Freely translated into English it means:
TO GOD THROUGH DIFFICULTIES
If there are any Kansans among those who read this they will recognize that it is a paraphrase of the Kanssas State Motto. In the innocent days of the 1940's grade schools in Kansas taught Kansas history and did their best to instill pride in our home state.