Quiet Moments With God -- Heaven Waits

Heaven waits for us. God's Word tells us that His children will spend eternity with Him there. And God doesn't lie. These days I cling to this promise more and more.

My mother had open heart surgery four weeks ago. At age eighty-six we were uncertain that she'd survive the surgery, but she did. We were grateful, but the weeks that have followed have been harrowing and full of physical suffering.

I spent a week with my Mom when she had the surgery. When I felt that she was stable I returned home. Last weekend I made the trip north again to see her. She's been staying at a rehab center for three weeks and will remain there until she is strong enough and healthy enough to return home. It's been grueling for her.

While I was visiting last week, Mom's health declined and she developed an infection in the wound where her chest had been opened. Uncertain what was causing the pain and swelling in her chest she was rushed to a nearby hospital emergency room where doctors proceeded to poke and prod in search of an answer. It was torture for my mother and for those of us who love her. To make matters worse, we were told that she might have to face another surgery.

We waited, prayed and took turns sitting with her. When I sat with her I watched the monitors and her uneven breathing. She's so thin I could see the undulating rhythm of her heart through her chest wall.

When she stirred, I stood to check on her. She gazed up at me and a smile touched her lips. Her hazel eyes were alight with love and she said, "I'm so thankful you're here. I love you so much." I rested a hand on her cheek, then smoothed her forehead and told her what a wonderful mother she was and how much I loved her. It felt as if we were saying good-bye.

Even now when I think of that moment my eyes fill with tears. But they aren't tears of sorrow, though I feel that, they are tears of gratitude. How blessed I am to be loved so deeply and to love someone the way I do my mother. She blesses me and makes my life richer. To see her in the midst of suffering and yet be filled with gratitude and love is an amazing thing. Death was close, but Mom was not afraid for she believed God's promise of heaven.

Mom is still with us. She's better, but far from well. I don't know what the days ahead will bring. I do know that we each have a certain number of days on this earth, and then we will die. It is my prayer that my mother will have more good years here with us, but one day she will go home to God where many loved ones wait for her.

God's gift of His Son soothes me with peace in these difficult days. I think of heaven and imagine what it will be like to have all of eternity to share with those I love.


Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

Quiet Moments With God -- Don't Be A Wallflower.

Do you like to dance? I do. I remember my very first dance. My mother had sewn me a pretty new dress and I'd taken extra time with my hair and make up. I was only thirteen and remember that my nerves were tightly strung. I didn't know what to expect, but I remember being afraid no one would dance with me--back in those days girls waited for the boys to ask.

When the music started the kids hung back, too afraid to step out and be the first one on the dance floor. I pressed my back against the wall, wishing I hadn't come. I wasn't the only one.

Gradually a few boys made the long walk across the gym floor to ask girls to dance. One handsome young man boldly asked me. I could have said no and remained safely in my place, but I wanted to dance and gratefully allowed him to escort me onto the dance floor.

A scripture shared in church last Sunday brought this memory to mind. The verse is one that sits quietly among many. You might not even notice it if you didn't stop to ponder on it. I'm thankful my pastor loves to ponder God's Word. Mark 10:32 says, "They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again he took the Twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to him."

Jesus pushed on, knowing what He faced. The cross waited for him and yet he continued on, hearing the call of His Father and of His a destiny that only He could fulfill. In obedience He made his way toward Jerusalem and the cross. When I think upon that I feel the sting of tears. His obedience and love are beyond my ability to comprehend.

There is something else that stands out. The disciples followed. They must have known their lives were also in jeopardy, but they pushed forward, not knowing what would happen.

I think about myself and how cautious I can be--afraid of what the future holds. I could easily be a wall flower--too afraid to step out and heed God's leading. Fear, if allowed, kills boldness. If we focus on the possible pain or embarrassment that sometimes follows obedience we will remain on the periphery of life. We'll never dance.

Instead, shall we trust and yield ourselves to the Lord?

Don't be a wallflower. Dance.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie