December 30, 2014

Make Time Today

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

-- Colossians 3:15-17

You always think you're going to have more time. Some people are such a fixture in your life that you always expect them to be there. And then they aren't. The sadness is deep, profound.

She was what we delicately call "elderly." She'd fought cancer twice. She'd lost her husband to a horrible disease. She'd buried one son. She lived with oxygen and caregivers. But she stayed at home until her final trip to the hospital. And, thank God, there was nothing wrong with her mind.

I loved her, this sweet cousin of mine. Our relationship ran deep, much deeper than most knew. Her Mother was so dear to me. It was so natural that her only daughter and I would bond, despite the vast age difference.

She spoke in that slow, Southern drawl that personifies this part of the world. Her laugh combined with a sparkle in her eyes. She was tiny in stature but her strength ran deep.

What I most admired is that she always had time for the people she loved. She was the first to call and check on people. She remembered to send cards. Despite her frail health, she welcomed visitors. What an example she was!

She lived her faith. It was really that simple. There was a peace about her that comes from a deep, unshakable faith. I want that. I do. I want to have faith with roots than run as deep as her faith ran.

The coming days will be hard. We'll say goodbye to a soul that is already home. We'll remember and mourn and laugh and love on each other. It's what families do. We'll find comfort in knowing she's with loved ones that have gone before. And we'll find comfort in the promise that this goodbye is only temporary. We'll see her again. Thank you Jesus! We'll see her again.