Grief and Joy
How is it that the saddest things happen during the “most wonderful time of the year”? It is the season to remember how we welcomed our Savior to the world and accepted His sacrifice to come and redeem us.
I suppose it is fitting that grief should mix in with joy. For without the Cross, Christmas is nothing more than a good time. Why should there not be a mix of emotions? My family, as well as two other families in my friendship circle, are enduring the greatest sadness right now.
Goodbye and Welcome
My beloved 18-year-old grandson, David, left us this week to join his Savior, Jesus, in heaven. He fought a long, valiant battle against cancer. He made it through graduation (with honors) last summer. We are so proud of him.
Now, he is in heaven. All the holes in his spirit (we all have them) have been filled. He is exulting in all the wonders he is seeing and experiencing. Those who have gone before him are greeting him. He is now settling into the place where Jesus went to prepare for him before Jesus came back to escort him home.
When it’s my turn, I think he will be the first person, after Jesus, that I’ll be looking for.
Precious and Special
Scripture tells us that when one of His own leaves the earth, it is a precious thing to our God.
He often allows us to linger before we leave. We can mend fences and share special moments before the departure. We have time for those last touches, words, and hugs. As God designed.
We were created for fellowship with God and with each other. When we die to earth, we come fully alive for all eternity. What rejoicing must happen in heaven upon the arrival of each saint!
Left Behind with Hope
Still, the hole left behind by the departure of the loved one on this side of the curtain of life is excruciatingly empty. Especially at this time of year when family is celebrated.
Lord God, have mercy on those of us left behind, in my family and in both of the other families in these holidays. You, Lord, know the depths of grief. You know how our loved ones will be missed—until we can reunite with them someday.
Through the gates of heaven! Beloved Grandson David. I rejoice with you! Halleluia! Immanuel!
Oh, Linda Jo, such loss! May you and your family daily sense God’s enveloping grace amid this great sorrow. It is moving to picture the headlong, welcoming joy of that future day when you’ll be reunited with David. Until then, may Solace surround and permeate your days.
Thank you, Laurie. God is faithful and David is with Him.
What a beautiful tribute to David. My heart is with you in this time of beauty and suffering. My prayers are for you and your family.
Thank you, Susan. It truly is a time of beauty and suffering. Your prayers are much appreciated, too.
My deepest sympathies are with David’s family, a family that has touched many and is always there for one another. This is beautifully written. My prayers are with you all. I’m so sorry Jeff and Jeanna!!
Thank you, Shannon. I made sure Jeff and Jeanna saw your encouragement for them.
Love you and praying for the family!
Love you, too, Joe. Thank you for prayers. God is good.
Such a beautiful tribute to David. I love seeing his picture and so glad he got to graduate before he really Graduated ♥ You know my heart and prayers are near, dear LJo. Though with tears, joy is yours. Much love, N
Thank you, Nanc. Your prayers are precious. It is a strange mixture of joy and sadness. One day, all will be well for all of us!
I’m so sorry Linda. Please give Jeff and his family our condolences.
Thanks, Jenni. I have done so.