This has to be speedy...It's a "day off" for me, and my to-do list is 10 miles long...ugh...
But, this weekend some of my dearest friends had to say good-bye to a beloved member of their family...
and my heart is hurting. I want to be there with them to hold them up, to hug them, be someone who isn't hurting that can make decisions and take some of the burden of everyday life off of them for just a wee bit.
But I can't...sometimes, being 1000 miles away from the family of your heart sucks more than words can express...
Sometimes it seems so inadequate to say "I'm praying for you"...but that's what I'm doing...I'm crashing Heaven's gates on behalf of my friends today, as their lives are suddenly a little emptier, and their family begins to put all the earthly details in place to gather together for an earthly farewell...I can only take comfort knowing that it's not a forever good-bye, just a temporary one...for I know that he's singing with the angels, strong, whole, healthy, and waiting anxiously for the rest of them to join him there so they can share in the endless praising...
2 comments:
Your heart's prayers mean more than you know.
What is so neat to know is that he KNEW Jesus and loved him and followed him so faithfully for so many years. I remember meeting one of his physical therapists a few years ago, and she told me that my grandpa had called on her years and years ago. She became a Christian and began going to the same church. He used to go calling with another elder a lot, and I can only imagine what kind of fruit grew from those times.
His life totally exhibited the proverb that talks about "he who waters will himself be watered". He cared for and served others for so many years in so many generous ways, and when it came time that he needed help, he was not forgotten. That has been beautiful to see.
Our hearts ache, mainly for the woman he loved who has to figure out how to do life now. She has prayed for the past few years that God would keep her going so she could care for her husband, and then she would be ready to go home. Her pacemaker works at 100% and has done that for some time. So I'm wondering what will happen.
I have a not-so-secret wish to be home with her for this first Christmas, but that will take a financial miracle. We had to pay for our passports today with what was basically overdraft protection - money we don't yet have in hand. That may seem foolish, but I didn't know any other way. I'm still hoping God will somehow provide miraculously so my husband can pay back the overdraft AND pay the upcoming bills. If it weren't for someone paying for our tickets home as a gift, Grasshopper and I would be missing this time. As it is, my hubby has to stay to work.
Please keep praying for comfort, for sleep and peace and strength for my Grandma, for real financial provision for me during this time when I'll have expenses we don't normally deal with, and for family unity and kindness for the long haul. (It's always easy to come together at first, but it's usually harder as time goes on and stressors add up.)
I think it's interesting that people say, "All I can do is pray," when prayer is the most precious and powerful gift we have. I know your spiritual war on our behalf is what is keeping us all afloat. And for that I am so very thankful.
My Grandpa was a wonderful man. He loved us. He loved Jesus. He died peacefully. We cannot ask for more than that.
Thank you, dear friend. I love you.
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