I heard a loud
shout from the throne, saying “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He
will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with
them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more
death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
~Rev 21:3-4
You are invited to a
party!
Anywhere you are, so
am I!
That is what I think
Uncle Jim wanted us to hear today as he went to be with our Lord. He wanted us
to know his seat was ready and waiting with his Bridegroom. In fact, it had
been waiting a little too long.
After much suffering
and pain, Uncle Jim is in a new body. Something I can only imagine he has
longed to have for so long. After loss of his eyesight, loss of memory, and loss
of health, he is now free to run and celebrate with the One he lived his life
for.
It was something my
family knew was coming, and for months he was in and out of the hospital and
other types of care. I knew it would be a blessing when the Lord called him
home, simply to relieve the suffering he was having. He was surrounded with an
amazing circle of believers that knew more than anything peace would be soon
upon him.
Last night when I was
told Thursday was his last meal, I kind of choked up. I was never very close to
Uncle Jim, but despite his loses, he knew who I was and what I was about. From
his hospital bed he would as my family weekly how I was on my mission trip, and
when I was coming to tell him all about it. Well, since being home I have spoken
at their church. I even rescheduled once because he had gone back to the
hospital and I wanted him to be there. But the next time it happened again and
we all knew the show must go on. I would tell the others there about my
journeys and how the Lord worked.
But you see, today
Uncle Jim left us, and I never did get to tell him those stories. While he
wasn’t much to talk back to you anymore, and my conversation would have been
one sided, I pray he gets to run up to God and say, “Well hello there God- Can you
tell me the stories of how you used my Bambi?” I know it seems silly, but it’s
amazing how true the stories are- ‘When you get home some people will ask you
how it was and really not care, and others will ask and have hours to spare-
Those are the ones you need to hold on to…’ If people wanted to know, really
really wanted to know, they would ask. And not just a common in passing ask and
expect no response.
So Uncle Jim, I hope
you get to watch down from heaven and see all the thousands around the globe
serving our God, making a difference, and carrying onward for the cause we
shared… While a few tears have been shed, I am delighted to know that you are
pain free and whole in the presence of our Mighty King. We will eat some yummy
Italian food for you, sing a few songs, and be merry…
*To all family who
reads my blogs and is affected by this loss, know you are in my prayers, but
please, let’s celebrate!!*
