Memorial Reminders

Yesterday was our Mimi's memorial service. It was a beautiful time of celebration. There really is tremendous joy in the home-going of one of God's children after living a full life well. I'm sure if we truly understood the concept of eternity and the fullness in the Presence of God, we could find equal reason to celebrate when remembering a shorter life, but it is difficult when our minds are so wrapped up in our temporal lives here and what we feel that person is "missing." However when someone has lived a beautiful eighty-four years, even in our weakness, we can rejoice in her exit from what was good and entrance into what is indescribable. I sit here trying to imagine what she is doing, feeling, how her very being is full of the glory and holiness of GOD HIMSELF! I can only imagine.

As I sat in the service today I was reminded of a few things:

• Despite the difficulties, the sadness, the cycle of life - what God has given us is so good. To experience loving someone so much that you grieve and miss that one when he or she is gone is a truly beautiful thing. The greater your love, the greater the sadness, but also the greater the sense of how wonderful the gift you were given in that person.

• The concept of eternity - mind boggling and glorious!

• One of the great blessings of John and I having known each other for so long is that I was given years to know three of his grandparents. I stayed in a hotel room with his Granny and in his Mimi & Grandy's house before I was even "the girlfriend." I knew them when they were traveling and getting around, had the opportunity to know that they loved me and were glad I was a part of their grandson's life. Also, to have seen them love on our kids was a beautiful gift. I feel so blessed to be able to join in on some of the "remember when" discussions and to be able to picture each personality trait and characteristic when they are remembering. That means I miss them too, but it's well worth it.
  

• Family is incredible! To, by marriage, be a part of TWO of the most incredible families is a blessing that humbles me. Who am I to have such a gift? To have two fathers who love, care for, and lead their families. Two mothers who give their absolute all to love their families and serve their needs. A total of eleven siblings (counting in-laws and one girlfriend who's as good as ours) who love each other and want to be together and stand by one another. Days like today remind me of the awesome support that provides. My parents, almost all of my siblings, and one of my grandmothers came to support my husband and his family today because they feel that we are all part of one bigger family. My mother and mother-in-law say the kindest, most supportive things about each other and truly care to share us with the other. I just was overwhelmed as I thought of it today.

• And finally, as I sat there today I thought of the incredible way that God can work in two hearts to make them one. I love my husband so tremendously that when he hurts I feel like my heart could come out of my chest. I can't do enough to be close to him and try to take some of it away. What a great privilege to be the one to hold his hand, to walk through this journey together. Four years ago we had experienced very little of this kind of burden-bearing together. In that short time, we have buried three grandparents and a nephew. How quickly things can change and you can be called to support in a whole, new way! I can't thank God enough for giving me someone to share the joys and half the burdens!

Life can be difficult. It is temporary. Eternity is glorious and waiting. God is good. . . all the time.