Psalm 116:15  Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

Note: This was my post February 12, 2018.

What a delight my sister was!  Last night after 10 PM we received word that she had gone on to be with Jesus, her Lord. My heart goes out to her amazing family and I rejoice in the treasure they were to her as she was to them.  She was surrounded by her family and it was very peaceful.

This morning as I continue to respond to this news, my sadness and sense of loss, as deep as they are, are secondary to the effervescent joy that is flowing within me from the memories I have of her.  I’m crying and smiling at the same time.  Judy was just such a precious person and I cannot think of her without remembering the love and laughter and joy and encouragement that she brought to my life – and so many others.

Then I think of her husband, children and grandchildren – while my heart is aching for their loss, I am grateful and blessed by who they all are, in spite of my pain and tears.  I don’t begin to understand all of what is going on inside me.

For 18 months there has been the struggle of her illness.  If she hadn’t responded to treatment and prayer it could have been only 3 weeks.  We believe the Lord gave her those 18 months to experience important family milestones.  And as things neared the end, we were able to go see her again last Monday. It was a divinely choreographed trip to their home to spend a special hour with her.  The days before and after Monday were snowy but Monday was sunshine and blue sky for our 7 hour round trip drive.

What can I say? – to see her; to hold her hand; to see her smile and laugh; to share some precious moments and memories with her; to see her loving husband and one of her sons who helped us arrange the trip; to hear the peace in her voice as she talked of being ready to be with Jesus, her Lord.  What memories to treasure!

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.