A dear friend of mine died peacefully in her sleep a few nights ago. In our last brief conversation, I addressed the business at hand and then closed, telling her that I'd call her back sometime soon so that we could "catch up" with one another....
Handwritten notes from her have become treasures, as have the photos and the memories of her beautiful smile and sing songy voice!
But, I'm writing this to declare a tribute that one of her daughters shared with me. She was telling me how hard it will be to not have her Mom around, especially for her two daughters. How much her mother loved her four tiny granddaughters and how much it hurts to contemplate the future without their sweet grandmother involved in their lives. She had been at all of their births, helped out in those first few difficult days with the new babies; making sure her girls were recovering well rested and well fed. With tears she anticipated what the upcoming birthdays would be like without Grandma. It was just so painful to imagine that these little ones would not know their Grandma. And then with a deep breath of resolve and more tears she straightened her shoulders and declared "It makes me want to be just like my Mom so that they can know her that way".
What a blessing this mother has left for her daughters. No bad memories, no regrets!
Makes me think of the passage written by the apostle Paul..."follow me as I follow Christ". These girls have a pattern of godliness to hold on to. Their mother's ways will continue to bless and guide them in her absence, bringing forth more fruit for the Kingdom of Christ. What better way for an older woman to teach the younger women to love their children, as we are instructed in Titus 2, than by just doing it?
Several months ago I attended a "sewing day" at a friend's house. I arrived a little later than the only other guest. Getting there was a challenge as I took only my little children so that they could play and left my older girls at home to keep house. And the truth is; I'm not too accustomed to handling my children all by myself anymore...car seats, carrying things etc. We created a small whirlwind when we entered I guess, what with snacks, sewing basket and machine. Maybe I looked a little harried, maybe I seemed worn out. I don't remember how many little ones I had along that day.
But I do remember the comment from the other guest, after we were introduced. She was an "older woman"...you know, the ones the Bible says should teach us younger ones to love their husbands and to love their children? ..."I know just what you're going through...I had four children myself!" I know she meant well, I know she was trying to offer support but her words didn't sit right with me.
Since about half of my children have reached adulthood...and their numbers are being added to rapidly, I have a keen sense of the fleetingness of time. Immediately I thought "What I'm going through?... Oh no! That's not it at all...it's not 'what I'm going through', it's what is slipping by way too quickly!" There is so much to do..so much to learn, so much to teach and so much to say.
They say time flies when you're having fun. I recently heard a woman refer to life as "long". It made we wonder..is she having fun? Is she happy? You don't often hear "life is long".
Lord, help me to remember that there is always enough time for what is important to you. And to take one day at a time, for that is all you give. I don't want to run ahead of you or to worry about tomorrow.
Teach me, O Lord, to number my days,
That I may apply unto wisdom my heart.
And satisfy early my deep yearning heart,
That I may rejoice always.
Three-score years and ten
Are all our lives may hold:
Fleeting years we spend,
A tale so quickly told:
And judgment greets us then
Our Maker we behold.
Teach me, O Lord to number my days,
That I may apply unto wisdom my heart.
Stanley K. Brubaker
This picture was the first confirmation that Hannah and James made is safely to the orphanage in Haiti. Sarah said would should name this one "Hannah is Home". Here is where her heart has been ever since her first visit in 2008. It's so good to "see" her there!
I just LOVE this picture of James and a friend...kicking back on the hood of a car.
About this picture he said "I have been able to sleep in some pretty uncomfortable situations". That's answered prayer to a Mom who has spent lots of time praying: that he'd get enough rest, that he wouldn't be too uncomfortable on the ground, in the tent, due to the rain etc... I confess I'm more of a prayer worrier than a prayer warrior but...God answers anyway :) And I'm multi-tasking!!!
This video shows some of the kids at HCH
playing church. I recognized the tune...
"He Hideth My Soul in the Cleft of the Rock"
God, please watch over these precious souls
and let them grow up to love and serve you!
