~ "'When I must leave you...' and assorted other joys..."

Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” (John 11:40)

There is a beautiful poem by Helen Steiner Rice that I keep in a frame on an end table in my den. The first time I read it was after the death of a friend's mother. I do calligraphy as a hobby and back in high school (before you could buy the 'kit', I used the bottle of ink and the nibs) my friend asked me to write the poem out and attach a photo of her mom on the phone.

I kept that poem trapped in my brain because it was too beautiful to forget. Many years later, I came across a sympathy card carrying the poem. Over the years it has become the one of the "helps" that gets me through grief.

In my book, I do talk about the many lives I've had the privilege of interacting with over the years that have gone on to be with the Lord. Today I've added yet another.

"The boy's brother" has joined his sister in heaven. Although it has been many years since I've seen him, the memories of that day (and of others) are now flooding into my mind.

We will all get to see the glory of God if we believe. In this verse, Jesus is speaking to Mary and Martha and will show them God's mercy by raising Lazarus from the dead. Our time here on earth is short compared to the time we will spend in eternity! Each day is an opportunity of us to love, to work, to live, to share and to prepare! How ironic that this week's focus has been on not knowing when our time on earth will end! The gift of friendship is a wonderful treasure! Let Jesus be your friend and thank him for bearing your sins and grief!