For Nancy

For Nancy,

I am reminded today at just how precious life is.  How fragile and short.  God gives us a short time here on earth to touch the lives of a few or for some~many. We get to know them, learn to love them and then we have to let them go.   After all they are not ours to keep.  The Father loans them to us.  To love and cherish, just for a short time.  But we are not promises tomorrow.  Just today.  Right here, right now. 

^{James 4: 13-14 (NIV)}

¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

And that is why we have to make the most of the time we have.

Proverbs 17:17a (NIV)

¹⁷ A friend loves at all times

That was Nancy.  No matter where or when I saw her she had a hug and a kiss for me. When I was in high school I had the privilege of babysitting her girls, if that’s what you call it when they are only a couple years younger than me!  It was more like a pajama party every night.  Then of course as life does, it got busy.  My family grew, theirs did too.  But whenever I would see her, even if months or years had passed, she always had a smile, hug and a kiss. How are the folks?  How are the kids?  Always catching up!  The last few weeks after I found out about her illness, I had the chance on several occasions to visit and we hashed out chemotherapy stories.  She always had fond and loving words for her girls and grandkids and of course Buck!  The last time I saw her she hugged me and kissed my forehead and told me how much she loved me and thanked me for taking care of her girls all those years ago.  Called me her angel!  That makes me laugh through the tears because by now she is sitting beside Danny and I know he is telling her the truth that, Hey I am many things, but angel I am not! 

My prayer for you dear family, her girls, Sherry and Margaret, know you were loved by her.  Even when you weren’t there you were always in the conversation.  Take comfort in knowing she loved the Lord and I have no doubt is in Heaven singing with the angels in her now body, feeling no pain.  And in the days ahead when you are lonely or missing your mom, please reach out to your friends and family.  There will be many days and nights that you wonder how do you go on and what do you do?  Call upon Jesus during those times.  He will hold you in the palm of his hand.

 

 

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

¹⁰ So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

I learned tonight of her love of angels.  I am sure she was surrounded by them in the hours before she was called home.  She was not alone, Jesus was there calling her home.  Ever so gently he was calling her to Him.  And she didn’t hesitate, she said, “Lord, I am ready to go home!”  And that is where she is resting right now!  In the arms of Jesus.  Take comfort and draw strength from that!  You will see her one day…on Heavens bright shore. 

^{Isaiah 40:31}

³¹ but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

My Beloved (Kari Jobe)

You're My Beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is My delight
Come away with Me My love

You're Beautiful to Me
So beautiful to Me

Under My mercy
Come and wait
Till we are standing face to face
I see no stain on you
My child

You're Beautiful to Me
So Beautiful to Me

I sing over you My song of peace
Cast all your care down at My feet
Come and find your rest in Me

I'll breathe My life inside of you
I'll bear you up on eagle's wings
And hide you in the shadow of My strength
I'll take you to My quiet waters
I'll restore your soul
Come rest in Me and be made whole

You're My beloved
You're My Bride
To sing over you is my delight
Come away with me my love