Sorrow and Joy

 

“You will lose someone you can’t live without,and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.” Anne Lamott

I'm 1,000 miles away from home visiting my son, his wife and their newborn son. This visit is a celebration of life and hope.  This visit is also a time to grieve as my daughter in law's father is slowing ebbing his way to heaven. He is dying of cancer.  It breaks my heart as I watch those who love him so much cry together.  Tonight they asked my son if he would play his guitar and sing some praise music.  They held hands and hugged their daddy and husband as they sang and listened to the music. I was overtaken with tears as I participated in this event as an observer.  I watched as they held strong to their faith and wept as they knew it wouldn't be much longer for their loved one to move into the next life.  This is my first experience being close to someone who is dying.  I've often wondered how you could help someone who is grieving.  Living this experience, I continue to ask God how I can help them.  I know that my being here during this time is for a reason.  I continue to ask God to show me what I can do to be a help to them.  If you are reading this, I would love your prayers for this family.

2Thessalonians 2:16+17   May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us
    and given us everlasting  comfort and hope which we don't deserve, comfort your hearts with all
     comfort, and help you in every good thing you say and do.

Blessings,