Hope

Today, the day after Christmas, we went to a funeral. Ever since my brother died - almost 7 years ago (actually, exactly 2 months from today will be the 7th anniversary of the day we buried Shawn) - funerals have been especially hard for me, so I hate going to them, but unfortunately, I have had to attend 3 since then. Today, I have to admit, I was filled with dread as we walked into our church. Even though it was a different church from where we had my brother's service, my stomach was in knots & I literally had to force myself not to relive that day, or I would have been in tears before the service even started. Plus, of course, I wanted to focus on the reason we were there. To remember and honor a very sweet lady, a member of our church and the mother of a friend of Nathan's. The service was beautiful, as I expected it would be. There were tributes from friends & family, a Christ-centered message, and beautiful music.

As I listened to the music and the message preached by Pastor Conley, I was filled with gratefulness, because I know that I have Hope. As I cried while thinking of the children that sweet lady left behind, I was also rebuked, because while they no longer have a parent left in this world, they know without a doubt that their parents have been reunited in the presence of our Savior, and their beloved mother is no longer suffering, but instead she is dancing with Jesus!

I have peace in my heart, because I have Hope.