This week has left me a little speechless. On top of the emotional roller coaster of starting our kids in school and Erik being gone, death came twice: a dear family friend, and my sweet grandma. The first was wholly unexpected, the kind of death where you say, “But I just saw him . . . but he just . . .” It’s stunning.
The second was a long time coming. My grandma was nearing 100 years old, and in recent years has been in a slow decline physically and mentally. This last week she’d stopped eating and wasn’t responding much to people. She’s finally free.
All this brings into sharp focus the frailty of life, the fact that at any moment things could change. So I find myself delighting more in things I could easily miss – the sound of my son’s voice from the back seat of the car, the new blossoms on our lemon tree, the sun rising through hues of pink, breath in my lungs.
But it also makes me realize how far we are from Eden, how this world is nothing compared to the next. I think of our friend, who had a beautiful voice, and I imagine him singing praises to his God in a way he never has before. I think of my grandma whole, restored, full of joy. I think about how all that we enjoy and love here is but a poor substitute for what is to come.
So let’s love well and be people of gratitude and wonder for the gifts we are given, but let us put our hope in eternity where all will be made new.
“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” C.S. Lewis
Better Things Ahead
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Gina, how well you express what so many of us experienced this past week. I didn't know Wayne as well as some of you but I know he loved His Lord. I hugged your Mom and Dad many times today and know that in times of sadness that is sometimes the best we can do. I am touched by your words about your sweet grandma. I won't get a chance to see you when you come but know we are praying for safe travel for you…Hugs. Karen
Karen,Thank you for your kind words and for hugging my parents when I can't! I appreciate your prayers as well.
I am praying for your family and you this week Gina. I can not imagine how hard of a week it has been. What beautiful thoughts you wrote above. Your last paragraph could be my mission statement. : )
Heather – thank you for your prayers!