Wow, look at that!
Whenever we witness something amazing, the first thing we want to do is share it.
Love wants to share
Maybe you’ve seen a sunset that takes your breath away. Immediately you think of someone you want to share it with.
Tuck it in your pocket. Save it for when you get to heaven.
And maybe when slipping our memories out to share we’ll be surprised to hear,
“You should have seen it from here!”
My sister Peggy and I used to talk on the phone for hours.
We never ran out of things to say no matter how often we talked. Never.
And when she died, I began thinking about her in a different way. Long distance.
We think they’re missing out
As I traveled through life sister-less I thought about all the things she didn’t know about. She never met my daughter, my grandsons, Jude and Charlie, and now my little granddaughter, Ruthie.
And when I’ve thought about how she didn’t share my life, it stung.
But what if she hasn’t missed them. She saw them all, we just didn’t see them together.
Like when I learned how to drive in my 30‘s or when I graduated college in my 40‘s.
Maybe at our reunions with loved ones, as we settle in to share.
Maybe we won’t be the only ones talking.
A different perspective
I’ve thought my sister missed out on seeing my precious daughter.
But what if God gave her a sneak peek before he handed Jessica to me?
It’s something to think about.
I believe we’ll have unfathomable joy at our reunions. Whenever Jesus rose someone from the dead people rejoiced.
We know those in heaven are in a better place. One day we’ll be joining them.
God understands
God knows our hearts broke when our loved ones died. He gathered up our tears, slipping them in a special bottle he keeps with him.
But one day, the time we spent missing them will be like a vapor, a mist. Like nothing.
So when I experience life after a loved one dies, I’ll stick a post-it note on it with the words,
“For Later.”
We’re a culture who doesn’t like to wait. From microwave popcorn, to drive-throughs, our attitudes scream, “I want it now.”
But we have to wait for some things.
It builds our anticipation, our character.
Even God waits
God had to wait for 33 years after he placed His Son in a manger.
God waits for us to turn to Him.
This Christmas I’ll once again be thinking of lost loved ones.
But maybe I can change how I think about them.
We’ll spend Christmas pondering the birth of a baby king.
Those in heaven will hear the angels rejoicing, up close and personal.
We have no idea what is in store for us.
We’ll get there, greeted by our loved ones.
And after unbelievable hugs they’ll say,
“I’m so glad to hold you again, but I never stopped watching you.”
And maybe we’ll smile, realizing it’s true.
We’re seeing the same stars those in heaven see.
They’re just a little closer to them. For now.
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Anne, this is absolutely lovely. And very thought-provoking. I’ve never thought of my loved ones in heaven seeing what I see, just from a different vantage. What joy we shall have one day, yes? Wishing you and your family a very blessed Christmas!
Rebeca,
Thanks for taking the time to read and for your comment. We will have unspeakable joy. God said “Eye has not seen nor ear has not heard the things God has prepared for those who love him.” And then all the pain we did experience here will seem like nothing. Merry Christmas, Rebeca.
Beautiful
Thanks for reading, Laura. And for liking it.
Anne, I can’t help but think our loved ones in Heaven are smiling down upon us. When a special occasion happens, I think of my parents who have gone on to be with the Lord. And oh that joyful day when we will be reunited! Pamela’s post inspired me to write about a memory of my own father. http://www.joanhallwrites.com/a-memory-a-skillet-and-christmas-eve/
Blessings to you, my friend. I’ve been thinking of you this Christmas season.
Joan,
Thanks for reading and for your comments. I read your post as well.
Such a beautiful and reassuring thought! There is so much we don’t know or fully understand, and that’s as it should be when we try to figure out eternal life and death issues which God holds in His hands. We live with mystery. We also live in hope of resurrection life to come for us and our loved ones. I love your “what if..” ponderings. Knowing God’s heart of love, it seems highly likely that some of these surmises could be true. And that’s a lovely thing to hold on to. Thanks, Anne. May God whisper close and offer you all the peace and comfort you need in this season. Blessings and love 🙂 xx
Joy,
Thank you so much for reading and for your thoughtful comments. I know God loves to keep things a mystery, and maybe we couldn’t understand these things anyway with our finite minds. Heaven will hold such joy for us. Yes, God is there. The three in one. And loved ones who know Jesus will also be there praising God. But even knowing that, we have no clue as to what heaven holds for us. We are told that this life is like a vapor, but it’s the only thing we know. But one day…one day we will understand fully. We will look through and not be limited in what we see, what we hear. We will know as we are known. One day…
How thankful I am to God for what he reveals to us. I think we will be thankful when we’re there at the things God kept from us. As a loving Father who protects His children. We will have the veil lifted and see the whole story in more than technicolor. One day…
And until then, we’ll stumble by faith. Letting God be our strength, our guide, our eyes. Him…whom having not seen we love.
Thanks for your encouraging words
Diane,
Thanks for reading, Diane. I find it helps me to embrace how I feel instead of pretending to feel otherwise. First Christmas without my brother Steve. I miss him, but I am glad God knows it. Thinking of you too, Diane.
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Anne, I believe this with all my heart. And those who went before are in the everlasting arms of God and they know perfect peace and love. Your sister would be so proud of you and the words you write, and so honored by what you have shared about her. Bless you friend and have a peaceful, joyful Christmas.
My dear friend, Patricia. Isn’t it wonderful to know this community of friends who have experienced similar things? I am thinking of you and Helen today as I miss so many. I listed all the balloons I’d be sending up. A whole bouquet. We send up balloons, they send down love. And I’m sorry you are experiencing some tension on this Christmas. Praying for you.
Dearest Anne, thank you for your prayers. I love you. I told James that you and Pamela were thinking of Helen (& Peggy) as you wrote your posts. This is indeed a wonderful community. My prayers are with you as well. Merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas Patricia and to James as well. Thank you for your prayers.
Anne, I believe every word of this post. I too wrote a post after reading Pamela’s post on her father. My christmas eve is fragile…to say the least.
Thank you for your lovely words. I like to know that Helen is given a sneak preview by God too. How wonderful!
Merry Christmas,
Pxx
I believe this Anne, with all my heart. Sometimes I think those who have gone on before are with us by some mystery. But they are in the everlasting arms of God and don’t lack for anything. Bless you my friend, as you remember your beloved sister at Christmas time. She would be so very, very proud of who you are and the life you have lived, and so honored by your words about her. Have a joyful, peaceful Christmas. xo Kathleen