FOR MY MOTHER
Col 3 v 1-3
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God's right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God."
When I wrote my last blog called "A Mother's heart," I had no idea what my next few months would hold and that on my return to Tanzania I would be saying my final goodbye to my own mother. My last 3 months have held moments when I have felt touches of Heaven followed by great loss. I would like to share some thoughts to encourage any others going through loss of a dear one. God bless you and give you courage in your grief. In Jesus, we are close.
WITHIN THE VIEL.
It's never been easy to say good bye,
But this time, I knew it might be the last.
Earlier, on silent retreat, in the stillness.
As if being prepared,
Heaven took my breath away-
Peering through the veil.
My plans changed, hearing you were weak
And I had the joy of a whole month by your side
You were quieter than before
As if already gazing into heaven
Knowing that the one
Whose "banner
over you is love."
Was calling you,
You were fragile and yet inwardly strong
Peaceful and Calm.
Never wanting to be a burden
"I'm sorry "You'd say
And yet for me it was joy,
To hold you and love you.
Not wanting to leave your bed-side,
But the one calling you was calling me too.
He urged "Let go, she's in my arms"
So, trusting, I kissed you,
So beautiful and smiling
A grace moment
Peace in knowing
He loves you more.
Not two weeks passed
Now across the world
Happy children playing
Preparations for celebrations.
I ran to receive a call-
My brother's voice and his tears.
You slipped through the veil
At Peace- at Rest
Deep tears welled up, as well as grace
Knowing you're his.
In a world of orchids, bougainvillea
Mangoes and melons
As a child you left your familiar world
and still a child at heart
You've left ours
You're in His everlasting garden-
Complete Joy,
In His presence,
Where I am too, when I come away with Him
Within the veil.