As I write this, my Great Aunt Doris is in Baylor Hospital in Dallas dying. She had a stroke, causing her brain to bleed and giving her brain damage. The doctors said there was nothing else they could do, and they took her off of life support. Now the family is only waiting for news of her passing. It is a difficult time for many, especially my grandparents and other elderly ones who were closer to her. I was wondering in what way I could put my thought into the matter, because when it comes to comforting my family in person, I am terrible.
As I was going about my day I listened to the song "Iris" by the Goo Goo dolls. I really love this song, and the lyrics are very powerful. I chose this verse specifically, so please read.
And all I can taste is this moment,
And all I can breathe is your life,
And sooner or later it's over,
I just don't want to miss you tonight.
Throughout life we have people who we love and care about, sometimes even more than ourselves. All we can feel is what is happening in the moment; we feel life whether is it happiness, sadness, anger, or regret. One of the hardest things to do is to imagine life without someone. People tell us time and time again that "they are better off now, no pain, and with God" though getting through the healing process is still just as painful. We do not want to go to bed missing someone, just as the song says. I was thinking about Jesus' death in the bible today, deciding what I should write about. I am not talking about the reason he died, though that is very very symbolic, but just the fact of death.
"From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
-Matthew 27:45-46
Jesus was scared of his death I believe. One of the hardest things is to know the future, to accept, and to go on with a happy heart. He knew he was going to die, but he also knew the pain in which was going to happen. How does Jesus' death relate to a normal person's death? Well to me I am relating this because it is hard knowing someone else is passing on, and that they will not be there with us. It is hard to imagine holidays, birthdays, and get togethers with them. Some of us may ask God the very same question Jesus asked, "my god, my god, why have you forsaken me?" Though we may not understand why some events and tragedies happen, they have a purpose. Whether it is to bring people together, open ones heart and mind, or to let others come to Christ through a death or tragedy it may all be possible. Anything is possible with God.
Think about Mary, Jesus' mother. She knew her sons fate, and how hard do you think it would be to know and watch your very son die so terribly? She was a very strong woman, and most important she had faith. Just as she did, so should we. We know God's plan is a much better, much higher plan than we could ever create. Each hurt we endure only makes us stronger, and gives us an opportunity to grow more with God.
This life is so temporary, and we should make the best out of everything and everyone we had. Be blessed and happy with those who you have been able to share your time with, but try not to grieve when they are gone. If they loved Christ, then they are finally at home with God and the angels. What better place is there to be? In no time, just as fast as you grow, you too can be with God and the other believers. Everyone must be born and die, and no matter what day or what time it is in God's plan. Trust in what he has, and rejoice at all times. The good-bye we give on earth is temporary, just as our lives are. We will be reunited with them once more, only with no tears, fears, sadness, or anger. God loves you and is always there with you, so do not ever believe he has forsaken you. His plan is the ultimate one, and he knows what he is doing.
"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord"
- Corinthians 5:8
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