The memory of the righteous is a blessing... -Proverbs 10:7a
7 years ago this afternoon, my Aunt Connie and I held Mom's hand as she was ushered from this cancer-ridden world to the glorious joys of Heaven. I have never known someone so ready to meet Jesus. People would visit her in the hospital and tell her about their loved one in Heaven. She would normally say something kind if she could respond, but make sure to tell them that she was most looking forward to going home to see Jesus. I am so glad she is getting to experience the joys of being in the presence of Jesus, but oh how my heart misses her.
I think this year has been sad in some ways as I wish Knox could have known her Grandma Betty and Mom could have loved our sweet girl. However, as I have thought about Mom a lot this week, I think about how much I miss her but I do not miss her having to fight cancer. So on this days and in the days past of grieving and the days to come, I rejoice that as a believer, there is a precious promise of Heaven. A place that God has prepared for those that love Him and trusted in Him as their personal Lord and Savior. The joys of that place are told to be indescribable, and I love these words from Revelation 21:3-5 "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
For the past 7 years, I have seen God's Words to be trustworthy and true and anxiously await when these words are accomplished. The memory of Mom have truly been a blessing, just like Proverbs 10 says. Thankful that God doesn't leave us alone in our grief, but provides sweet comfort. I love these words from Matthew Smith... listen to it here and read the words below:
I journey forth rejoicing
From this dark vale of tears
To heavenly joy and freedom
From earthly bonds and fears
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit--
Goodnight, goodnight till then
Why thus so sadly weeping
Beloved ones of my heart?
The Lord is good and gracious
Though now He bids us part
Oft have we met in gladness
And we shall meet again
All sorrow left behind us--
Goodnight, goodnight till then
I go to see His glory
Whom we have loved below
I go, the blessed angels
The holy saints to know.
Our lovely ones departed
I go to find again
And wait for you to join us--
Goodnight, goodnight till then
I hear the Savior calling--
The joyful hour has come
The angel-guards are ready
To guide me to our home
Where Christ our Lord shall gather
All His redeemed again,
His kingdom to inherit--
Goodnight, goodnight till then
