On Loss and Hope

We have had several difficult weeks. Our family has experienced loss. Deep loss. This past Saturday, our dear daughter in law's precious mom (and our dear friend) was "laid to rest". We have cried, prayed, reflected and mourned. Her loving life touched many, her impact was great! Her life was lived out well, so whole-heartedly, for Jesus! Our prayers will continue to cover this dear family that means so much to us, as they move forward without wife, mom and grandma. But thankfully, so thankfully, with God. We go forth in hope; hope of the wonderful, eternal reunion that awaits.

This Thursday, we buried my husband's dear brother. A kind, friendly, intelligent and talented man with many hobbies and interests. He had heard the Truth of salvation often. Our hope and prayer is that he was able to call out to His Savior. We are so thankful that only the Lord knows the heart and that His ear is always open and ready to hear even the faintest, sincere cry of His beloved Creation, to gather them in as His precious child.

We will miss them. Greatly. For the loss is great.

So as loss becomes a real part of life for all of us along this pathway, may we all be cherishing the "gain". The gain that we experience each day, as we gain new opportunities, new experiences, new interactions, new insights, new beauty, new mercy. For as the Word shares in Lamentations 3, "...his mercies...are new every morning". Another day with Jesus, serving and growing in Him, basking in His peace and love, is a day of tremendous gain.

Yes, life is a gift! Family moments are treasures. Memories are precious. The joy of friendship glows deeper with each passing sunset. Times spent with our God, become meaningful, beautiful glimpses into the eternal glory that awaits.

Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of abundant life in you! May we lose our lives in you, that we might gain that most sacred hope!