I have a friend whose husband had heart problems. We prayed for strength and healing. He did regain his strength, but so was tired. He ultimately was healed, just not this side of heaven. He’d said he was ready, but God was not ready for him, yet. He was at peace. He fell asleep at her side and woke up in the arms of Jesus. Hallelujah.
His wife is one to over-react to everything, but that morning, there was none of that… just peace. She calmly told her family, “He left in the night.”
It’s hard to find the right words, as if there truly are any. A hug was the best I could do. I fumbled with, “I’m sorry to hear it, but not sorry for the way God called him home.”
She said he had a relaxed look on his face.
That must be what heaven is like.
Outside, there were butterflies. And being a big fan of the Grinch, her husband had given her a flag to fly during the holidays. Then, a butterfly landed on the Grinch’s nose. She smiled. Everything was alright.
Her children asked if she was going to church Sunday morning. She said, “If nothing else, she was going to church.” Taking labored steps out the door, she saw a red bird perched on his truck.
“Okay, okay, I’m going.”
When our hearts are crushed, eloquent words or grand gestures have little effect. Its then God holds us closer and sends something as simple as a butterfly or a red bird to remind us. He is there. He is always there.
My heart is broken for my friend.
I went by to check on her.
She smiled and waved.
Today, she will:
Wake up, again.
Take a breath, again.
Thank God for another day.
And take that day
One day at a time.
Sound advice for those of us still here, until the day we are reunited.
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