My dear friend,
Last week, I was the speaker in chapel at the retirement community where I live, part-time. I spoke on a familiar topic, God’s love for us, and how that love touches us in ways that we don’t always understand. As you know, God’s love can sometimes seem hard and harsh.
In the middle of my talk, I said that Jesus knew the heart of the Father and Jesus knew that people last forever. I believe that. These bodies won’t last (Lord knows!), but our spirit does. At this point in my talk, completely unplanned, I spoke about the sadness and the goodness of Thanksgiving week, including the death of your husband (I’ll call him Mike), and the loving effect that his life had on all who knew him. His spirit lives!
I told about the two thoughts I had there in the banquet hall with you and Mike’s extended family all around. One thought was how much of Mike was so evident in nearly everyone in that room, young and old. Mike was there in each of those present, reflecting the nature of God’s love and who Mike IS. The other thought was how great that this was thanksgiving week, for having known Mike is something for which we all can be thankful.
On a personal note, I thought what a blessing and privilege it was for me to be there, to be included. I had that same feeling the first time I met Mike, Thanksgiving Day, a year ago, when he and you, and so many others in the family, made me feel welcomed, a stranger in your midst. Thank you.
In Psalm 30 we read: “Sadness may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”. From my own experience, I know that can be hard to understand, but I can attest to the truth that joy will indeed come. Know that you are loved.
God’s Peace, Stan
