"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand."
Today I thought often about my loved ones who won't be with us during the holidays. I can choose to be saddened for a moment but rejoice in knowing that they have already entered into Eternal life. The good news for those who believe is that one day we'll have a great reunion where we'll never part again. The turn of the seasons sometimes are a little harder on me. Perhaps they remind me that life here goes on. I've chosen lately to focus on the beauty that each season offers. I am reminded of the laughter of my loved one in the cool spring air. I can see their smiles in the sunshine of the summer. The fall with the changing color of the leaves demonstrates how the passing from this life can leave its mark behind as a beautiful reminder of the life once had here with us. And the winter, a time of drawing people together on cold snowy nights warming by the fire. How often is the death of a loved one done just this? Drawn all that love for that bright "fire" together, setting off embers of memories of a life that touched us and made a difference.
I don't ever tell anyone I understand their pain. We may be able to relate, may have gone through a similar loss, but we never really understand the depth of someone's loss. I'm comforted to know that God knows my pain, He experienced loss and He allows me to hear His voice of reassurance that I have eternal life with Him and with my loved ones beyond this world.
What is God reminding you of right now? Are you allowing Him to comfort you? Are you dwelling on the loss and grief allowing it to rob you of this life, this fleeting moment in time, where you are building your own fire to spark in others love, friendships and memories? Or are you seeing the beauty in each season resting in knowing that one day you will have eternal life with Christ and those you love?
Blessings,
Heather
