As I sit writing this today, a precious friend of mine is going through something no parent should have to go through, planning a funeral for her son. Heart wrenching and just totally wrong. There are no words at a time like this to comfort or heal. Yes, Jesus cares, yes, He is present, yes, God heals and all of those spiritual things; but let’s face it, the physical and emotional hurt is bad and it just sucks (sorry Mom, sometimes we have to use sub-standard words).
Many have faced losses recently, whether tragic and sudden or slow and painful, yet losses none the less. It’s grief. Denial. Anger. Hurt. Bitterness. Memories. Celebrating a life. Repeat. We think about conversations we have had with our lost loved one, places we went, things we did, plans for the future...then sadness that those plans will not be fulfilled how we expected. We reflect on the life, what we have learned from the one we lost and we laugh and share all the stories that make us giggle remembering good times.
One thing I believe we can take away from these experiences is this, don’t wait. Say what you need to say! Love people. Make a difference. Share Jesus. Don’t wait to tell everyone who means anything to you how you feel about them.
As we laid to rest a dear sweet saint years ago; I remember very vividly the story that was told about her and her family. It was something they lived, making sure that every word counted. Whenever any one of them was parting from the other, whether just heading home from church or traveling to a country a world away, they would always say to one another, “See you at the house.” The sentence was far more than 5 little words. It meant, ‘I love you, you mean the world to me and even if this is the last time I see you on this earth; I will see you on the other side.’
Call your loved ones. Maybe you need to make amends with someone, forgive, or be forgiven. Do it, don’t wait.
My love and prayers to you, Teresa.
See you at the house, Josh.
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have everything I need.
He lets me rest in green pastures.
He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
for the good of his name.
Even if I walk through a very dark valley,
I will not be afraid,
because you are with me.
Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.
You prepare a meal for me
in front of my enemies.
You pour oil of blessing on my head;
you fill my cup to overflowing.
Surely your goodness and love will be with me
all my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23 NCV
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