Wednesday August 16 2017  JOY AND SORROW

When we enter life we have no idea what lies ahead.  For that matter babies really do not know much of anything except to cry for food and then do what their bodies do naturally.  But as children, (as we were once upon a time) as we grow we become wiser in the aspects of life…as well as in the aspects of death.  However, usually from our personal perspective death is always meant for someone else.  Yet, we know and understand that our life on earth will be over.  We each have only one turn at this journey called life.  Even knowing that our own demise will surely come, it is still difficult to let go of those you love.

And that is where Dave and I right now in this journey of life.  My dear Aunt Esther is lingering between death and life.  Dave’s nephew Wade is in the same predicament.  We are 1,971 miles from Wade and 729 miles from my Aunt.  Though we are great distances apart it does not alleviate the sorrow and loss we are experiencing for our loved ones.

We have decisions to make.  When and where will we go first?  We feel the pain of Wade’s mother, especially without the support of Dave, her only brother.  I personally feel the sorrow of my own loss for not being with my Aunt whom I love.  Yet, even amongst the pain Dave and I still experience joy.  The joy comes through our faith knowing that both Wade and Esther are ready to meet God whenever He calls them home.  And it’s not because they are a certain religion or have attended certain kinds of churches on Sundays.  Their salvation is not based on that.  Rather, it is believing that God sent His Son to die for us so that any and all who believe on Him will have EVERLASTING LIFE.  And you know what; it doesn’t mean we’ve had to believe our entire lives.  It means that if even on our death bed, we call out to God, ask him to forgive us of our sins, and believe that He exists; God will open his arms and accept each person as one of His own.

John 3:16:

For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

My joy is in knowing that God opens the door to heaven for those who believe.  And believing is simply a choice.  And what a difference it will make for each one who does believe. 

And as I was writing the sentence above, I received a call from my cousin informing me that the angels above are now rejoicing because my Aunt Esther just stepped across heaven’s threshold.  And my heart sings in gladness knowing she is no longer confined to her earthly body but has been transformed into her heavenly body, redeemed by the blood of Jesus.

Yes, I still have sorrow in my heart for my own loss but my joy overrides my sorrow because our separation is just for awhile.

‘EVEN IF THERE IS NO GOD I WOULD RATHER LIVE BELIEVING THERE IS A GOD WHO FORGIVES THAN TO LIVE AS IF HE DOESN’T EXIST, ONLY TO FIND OUT AFTER I DIE AND I NO LONGER HAVE THE CHANCE TO ASK FORGIVENESS, THAT HE DOES EXIST.’

(Recently I heard someone say words similar to the ones above but I can’t remember who quoted them.  I thought the concept worth repeating.)

JOY AND SORROW

Kathleen Martens

August 16, 2017

http://www.visionsofpoetry.com

Dear Aunt Esther:

Though my words to you unheard,

My heart rejoices even in my loss.

You have gained your eternal reward,

And it was for you that Jesus counted the cost.

Your absence on earth leaves a void

But I smile knowing you are with our King.

Peace and joy I experience this hour

Wishing I too could hear heaven’s angels sing.

Thank You God for the cost Your Son paid that I could choose eternal life.

Thank You God for the godly aunt who has loved so freely.

Thank You God for filling my heart full of joy amidst the sorrow.

I love You God.

To my readers:  Please continue to pray that Gods’ will is done in Wade’s life.  He had a massive heart attack yesterday and is in critical condition.  Please pray that God will supply strength to His family to endure this sorrowful time.

Good night and God bless you.