The woman passed away yesterday.
While I vacuumed pine needles off the floor, debated whether to take down the Christmas tree because it’s hard to let go of things we love.
The frail woman, though surrounded by loved ones had to let go.
One last breath, and her eternal soul flew into the arms of Jesus.
While I, not knowing she was gone, stripped sheets off my guest bed,
And breathed in the lingering scent of my grown son who had returned to his own home.
I LOATHE goodbyes though my heart says, “We’ll be together again.”
When I heard the woman was “walking streets of gold,”
My heart was heavy.
Like it was on New Year’s Eve when I watched my grown son walk away into the airport.
I longed to run after him for one more hug.
Another chance to say I love you.
Even though we know how much we love each other.
Driving home from the airport, I thought about the day before, when we put together a puzzle.
Holiday movies were background noise.
Bowls of half-eaten Chex Mix, and empty candy wrappers sat on the table.
My pants snug.
I placed the last piece into the jigsaw puzzle and declared, “It is finished!”
And a voice within me groaned, “ENOUGH!”
As much as I love the holiday season … family, food, fun … I was ready for routine.
Perhaps the woman was ready.
As much as she loved her family and friends, wanted to celebrate life on Earth one more day,
Perhaps, she’d had “Enough!”
Enough of the endless
Physical pain, medical appointments, hospital visits.
Enough disappointment
As she hung to a thread of hope she’d be restored to good health.
Enough sorrow
To let go and leave behind….
Her favorite things and the precious people she loved.
And be with her Beloved Jesus,
Who “will wipe every tear from their eyes….no more death, mourning, crying or pain.” (Revelation 21:4)
Today, my Christmas tree comes down.
It’s been up long enough.
I’ll wrap:
A newly-wed couple’s first hand-blown ornaments, faded with age.
Baby’s first Christmas,
A toddler’s photo glued to a felt star
Ceramic candy canes painted by children now grown and gone.
I’ll say goodbye and put them away until …
I was going to say, “Next Christmas.”
But who knows what a year from now brings.
I ONLY KNOW THAT I KNOW THERE’S A HEAVEN.
One day, I’ll be there with the woman,
I never met,
Whom I grew to love,
Because I prayed for her last year.
Together, we’ll be in HEAVEN
Where Saints meet and re-unite.
AND WE CAN NEVER, EVER, GET ENOUGH OF JESUS.
Even In This 