Monday, December 2, 2013

Heaven: It Must Be Very Good

Sadness over hard times.
Serious disappointment.
Loss.

Grief is all of the above, and sometimes it comes upon us as we prepare for loss.

I'm preparing. We're preparing. Our dad is preparing. He's handling the brunt of this difficult and sad time with such tenderness and strength. Dad is our champion and he is Mother's knight in shining armor. He's by her side, helping her through, keeping a promise he made 63 years ago.

Through the years Dad and Mom have shown us kids how wedding vows are kept. They've demonstrated how to honor, love, and cherish in sickness and in health. We're watching, and they are living it out. They're living out the difficult last part of the vow. Until death do us part. The part starry-eyed young people don't even imagine will be part of their future.  But that's the reality folks. Everyone has their turn. No matter how long or short your marriage -- in most cases -- one of you will pass on before the other. And though we all have some trepidation about crossing over, it's the spouse left behind that has the more difficult position. But, as my Dad said to me just the other day, "Everyone goes through this, and it's just our turn."

What do you say to offer comfort at a time like this? I don't know the right words. I'm left wondering how can I help? What can I say or do? What do I even know?

What Do I Know? by Sara Groves



And with that I'm thanking my son, Aaron, for sharing this song with me. Such a comfort I found this song to be. Perhaps it will bless you as well.

5 comments:

Ellen Campbell said...

Betsy, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this journey . I learned much as I walked this path with my mom and dad and you will too. Be well, my friend.

Kristine Riddle said...

This is a beautiful reflection on a very hard time in life. And now I'm crying...but good tears.
My prayers are with you and your family during these difficult days, Betsy. I don't know a lot about heaven, either, but I know it will be wonderful, and your mother will be received into Christ's arms with joy.

John 14:2 -- In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

Betsy Henning said...

Thank you, Kristine and Ellen, for beautiful words of comfort and encouragement. I value your words, your prayers, and your friendship more than I can say.

Sarah Rose said...

Betsy---I'm praying for you continually. I'm so glad you shared this song. Grief still hits me on random days and this day particular started out rough for me. But, that song was wonderful. I am so glad for your mothers life because she raised you to be a light in my life. I'm praying for her in this stage of life. And, your sweet father. I love what he said about it being their turn. What faith. What truth. I'm so thankful for you. And, even though I have never met them, I'm thankful for your family. I glean a lot from the wonderful words you speak and write of them.

Betsy Henning said...

Thank you sweet Sarah.