Today will actually have two posts in one. Two topics, that is.
Topic One: Anticipation
I woke up yesterday with an unusually heightened sense of anticipation and excitement. (Rest assured, this is not a normal state of being on Mondays. I don't care how many sunrises one may enjoy. Smile.)
Around lunch time, a friend dropped by our offices with a most precious presentation: a piece of jewelry and an intricate silver box. She explained that the two items had been passed to her from her grandmother and her great-grandmother and that now she wanted to give them to us!
Just exactly how does one merit such a lavish display of love?
Frank and I were completely overwhelmed! Trinkets and treasures are great but nothing compares to a gift that has sentimental value. Our tears (shed after the friend left) were the only way we could process this "Gift of the Magi".
I thought perhaps her visit was the reason for my feeling of anticipation. But, no. There was more to come.
You see, another friend of ours has been going through an especially horrendous time of difficulty. She has worked extremely hard keeping: her faith alive; her outlook positive; her family together....... In fact, I told one person that this lady has been moving a mountain one teaspoonful at a time! And that's the truth.
She recently shared with me that no matter how she worked (and she has been working) she just couldn't make ends meet. Her budget showed a definite shortfall occurring every month. We began to pray for a miracle.
On Sunday, I found out about something that could change her situation to not only make ends meet - they would occasionally overlap! It wasn't possible for us to get together then because (you guessed it) she was working. So I had to wait almost all day for her to come by the office and hear our idea.
The closer time got to our appointment, the more excited I became. This was going to be an answer to prayer and I could hardly wait to see her face. At one point I just had to do a quiet little squeal and tap my feet under my desk.
It was at that moment I felt the Lord whisper to my heart, "Imagine how excited I get knowing blessings are just around the corner for each of my children!"
Here we are (His children) plodding along, able to see only the circumstances; often overwhelmed with the difficulty itself. And the whole time God is saying, "I know the plans I have for you. Don't grow weary of doing the right thing! Reward is coming!! Look up! I have this under control!!!"
Can you see me smiling down here in central FL?!
Needless to say, when my friend came by and I shared the idea with her, she was ecstatic! It was a truly resplendent moment!!
Now, I said to you that this is a two-topic post. So....
Topic Two: Journey
Today marks twenty-three months since my precious mom went to Heaven. In many ways it seems like twenty-three days. And I find myself concerned because typically people move away from marking things by months after the two year period.
But the truth is, I think of Mom every day. And the loss is still very tangible; I just don't voice it as often. Her vacancy will never be filled. Just......never. And tears still come pretty easily. I don't want to stop marking her passing. Kind of vulnerable here.
Yet, I also know that time travels on and I have no choice but to keep up with the journey. God orders our footsteps for several reasons. (Sad smile.)
So if you dear readers will indulge me, I'll probably include a few mentions of her going-home time this month. Believe it or not, a few of the stories will actually be pretty funny. Mom and I shared the same warped sense of humor! Besides, she would thoroughly enjoy knowing that her name is recurring on the World Wide Web.
Hope your journey is including some joyful anticipation!
I would love to hear about your beloved Mother! Mine went home 5 years ago and it is still fresh in my heart as well.
ReplyDeleteWe also shared a sentiment that we would find it in ourselves to laugh at everything that came our way. People often used to tell her "So many funny things happen to you, nothing like that ever happens to me!" She would always say that the same things happen to everyone, the secret is in how you look at them!
Towards the end of her journey she was at times not completely aware of where she was in time or place. She and my dad often went on cruises before her illness. I was sitting by her bed in intensive care trying to come to grips with the fact that she was leaving us. The nurses were prodding and poking, and she had not been conscious in several days. Suddenly, out of the blue, she opened her eyes and looked confused and said "This is the WORST cruise I've EVER taken! I want off this boat!" It was her last gift of laughter to me, and I have no doubt she was somewhere laughing with me!
Sheri, I would love to hear any memories of your mom that you are comfortable sharing. I remember your mom (and dad) well and with love; they were my pastors when I was a teenager. Your mom is one of the few people I have ever known who was willing to turn a joke on herself and be laughed at just to spare someone else embarrassment. She encouraged me at a difficult point in my life, and I will always be grateful.
ReplyDeleteOk topic 1- I hope you or she will share this solution with us when the time is right!
ReplyDeletetopic 2- I hope we get lots of memories of your mom!
Sheri, my Mom passed on 33 years ago and I was young. I still always remember her birthday, when she passed away (Easter Week), and a myriad of other rememberances daily or weekly. The no-words-can-explain intensity of missing her abated over time, but I still miss her each day for her love, her wisdom, her acceptance...her. I would love to hear of your Mom. There are just no two alike yet all are Mom.
ReplyDelete