I got a call this morning that a long time friend of the family passed away. It hit me hard because I thought of my dad and my mom and how they must be feeling. Then I thought of the man that we lost and how he used to be such a great person to us kids when we needed him.
I haven't seen Jim for a while now but the last time I did he hugged me and kissed me and told me I looked just like my mom and he was certain that I was going to be just as great as she was.
Jim had a stroke a while back and has not been able to care for himself since. He was confined to a wheelchair. I told him a long time ago that he would walk one day. Well I guess that day has come. I dreaded all day how I was going to break it to my son. We went to go to the store earlier and I talked to him because out of the blue Colt said something that Jim always used to say to us.
When he was trying to see if we were telling the truth or not he would make us look him in the eye and he would say "I bet you can't say buttermilk three times without smiling". Well you know us kids, we tried and each time we giggled and giggled. Well Colt said "Mom I did all my work today in class, I'm not lying!" "Buttermilk, buttermilk, buttermmmmiiiilllkkk!"
I busted out in tears so I had to tell him. He took it well but he said something that surprised me, he said Mom out of respect for Jim I want to go to his funeral. All I could say was OK.
My heart is breaking for many reasons but inside I know I am rejoicing. I am rejoicing for the fact that Jim isn't in a wheelchair anymore! PRAISE GOD! I am rejoicing for the fact the Jim doesn't have to wait around to be taken care of, God has taken care of every need! PRAISE GOD! I am rejoicing in the fact that Jim is healed and is waiting for us! PRAISE GOD!
I am reminded of the verse "To live is Christ but to die is gain". Jim has gained full life in heaven. He is living now at the feet of our Lord and Savior! He has heard every angel sing and seen the streets of gold! Instead of being broken hearted for our loss we should be rejoicing for the life that Jim has gained.
Thank you Lord for saving Jim and for bringing him home to you!
1 comment:
I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful for you that you know Jesus and therefore this separation is temporary. I lost my grandpa this year and without the Lord it would seem hopeless, but thanks to Him it is a reason to be sad for a time, but healing comes in His time and with His help. What joyous reunions we will have in heaven. I will keep you in my prayers.
Always,
Holli
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