Joy does not depend on circumstances.
Can I tell you about some other favorite residents of mine?
They are D and H.
D moved in a couple months ago and waited for H to join her. He was in a rehab facility, and D waited so patiently. I knew she was eager for him to join her, because every time I spoke with her, she'd say, "My husband is H. He isn't here yet. But he'll be coming." And she'd smile.
Oh, I wish you could have seen her after H finally arrived at Edgewood. That dear woman wore a smile bigger than any I've ever seen!
It was a beautiful sight to behold.
Since H came to Edgewood I have enjoyed many opportunities to talk with them, and to listen about their life together. They traveled around the country with a mission team and helped build (I think) 60 churches. They were teachers together at a small Christian school. They both loved music and enjoyed it together.
What a beautiful couple.
Well, last Friday, D passed away. And the first time I saw H since her passing was at Bible study on Monday. I put my arm around him and asked how he was doing. Without hesitation, H told me he was sad to not have her with him anymore but he was so joyful for her - because she is with Jesus. I've heard those words coming out of his mouth all week. I keep hearing joy, joy, joy.
Rather than focusing on his circumstance, H is rooted in Jesus.
It blesses me to hear him. H is reminding me to remember the eternal. Earth is temporary. Jesus gives us forever. Death is temporary for the Believer. We have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
And, Joy does not depend on our circumstances.
***As I was writing this post it occurred to me D may be walking around in heaven saying to everyone she meets, "My husband is H. He isn't here yet. But he'll be coming."
14 comments:
Oh my word! What a precious post! I bet D is telling everyone in heaven that H is coming to join her. This just made my heart smile so big!!
Leah - My heart is smiling, too.
It was so sweet, as I was typing the words D would often say before H got to Edgewood - it just hit me. I bet she's saying the same thing now in heaven!
That is so awesome! We all need to have a bit more of H's prespective in life, we would have more of that joy, joy, joy!!
I'm reading this with tears in my eyes. Such a beautiful testimony of faith and love. :o)
Oh this is such a beautiful post! And as I was reading it, I thought the very same thing & I got tears in my eyes & goosebumps, yet I was smiling BIG at the thought of D in heaven! BEAUTIFUL testimony of deep rooted faith! LOVE IT!!
Have a great weekend!!
Daveda - It's good to see you!
Yes, I agree. If we could have more of his perspective...More joy and peace!
Jodi - Tears can be a good thing. :o)
Patricia - My smile is BIG, too. H has said he knows D is well, and she wouldn't want to be anywhere else!
Love this post. Clearly they are a couple that walk the talk! Such an awesome and inspiring testimony.
Kathy - Oh, they do! And the testimony can continue, even now.
What a beautiful love story. I know their daughter and she is a wonderful testimony of what her parents believe and it's wonderful to know they will see each other again.
Debbie - They do have a beautiful love story. It's also wonderful to know their faith will continue on through their children!
H and D are my Aunt and Uncle and the truly are an inspiration, wonderful people, so you also brought tears to my eyes, thanks for the nice story.
Nancy - You are blessed to have such an Aunt and Uncle.
Tears can be a good thing, right? When they're brought about by the joy of those we know and love.
I'm glad you were able to read their story here.
Hi Kathy! Facebook just showed me this post that you wrote about my parents. Thank you for writing so beautifully about them, and their relationship with each other and Jesus. I know they enjoyed knowing you, and I am thankful that in their last days they were taken care of so well. You did know that my Dad followed my Mom to heaven only 5 weeks after she left. The nurse said that the weekend before Dad died he was speaking clearly, pointing to the top of the room and announcing, "There she is! There she is!!!" I think he had one foot in heaven and saw Mom waiting. I miss them, but don't wish them back to the trouble of life on planet earth.
Tim - I'm so glad you saw this post.
Just last week I was telling someone this story. Your parents are still a blessing to me - even after five years!
Thanks for sharing what your dad's nurse witnessed. How beautiful.
Post a Comment