There was nothing remarkable about this particular winter's day when the
memory of Jo wrapped itself around me. I stood at my kitchen window
watching the sparrows, all fluffed up by winters frosty breathe,
fluttering to the feeder snatching seeds with their tiny beaks. With a
layer of white snow and bare branches as the backdrop, the bird's quick
movements punctuated the afternoon's bitter temperature.
I was
easily lost watching the sparrows. In all their commotion, they always
seemed to bring a sense of peace with them. In that moment of peace, I
heard the words, I miss you. Music softly playing in another room had
drifted into the kitchen and captured my attention. The sweet melancholy
ache in Eva Cassidy's voice was gently whispering its heartfelt message
through her lyrics. With each, I miss you, and flit of a sparrow's
wings, memories of my dear friend Joanne covered me with the bittersweet
balm of love. Though I often thought of Jo, today's memories overcame
me. Carried on the wings of sparrows and lyrics to a song, warm memories
of a dearly departed friend filled my heart and mind. As it so often
goes with family and friends, we shared many mutual interests and
adventures together. I remember the joy I felt when I discovered that
Joanne also took great pleasure in watching the sparrow's antics at the
feeder outside her own kitchen window. Jo had squealed with delight when
she first heard Eva's voice on our cars CD player; it was one of her
favourites too! Accompanying this flood of warm memories was the stark
realization that this month marked another anniversary of her passing. A
profound sadness settled in my heart and echoed I miss you too.
We know that when this tent we live in is taken down - when we die and
leave these bodies - we will have wonderful new bodies in heaven, homes
that will be ours forevermore, made for us by God himself. (2Corinthians
5:1 TLB).
If I am honest with myself, the sadness I felt was for
me; I missed all of the memories that would never be made. I missed Jo's
infectious smile, her words of encouragement, and all she held dear. I
missed spending time with her. But when I think of Jo, instead of
myself, my heart is filled with joy. I know that my friend is in the
presence of the Lord; that she has a wonderful new body and heavenly
home. Jo is free from all earthly worries and bondage and is with her
heavenly Father; singing, dancing, praising. Glory to God.
John
3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." I
take solace in the knowledge that time apart from our loved ones are but
a moment by eternity's standards. In God's perfect timing we will be
reunited with our brothers and sisters in Christ and with Jesus too!
Heaven is our home. And so it is with a cheerful heart that I fondly
remember my friend on this cold winter's day. I remember times past, but
I also remember her hope for the future. With eyes sparkling, voice
bouncing, and a contented heart, she spoke lovingly about meeting her
Jesus. Jo was jubilant when she told my husband and me that she would
greet us at Heaven's gate and show us around. We look forward to that
day, and hope we'll be her neighbours too!
Prayer - Loving
Heavenly Father, we thank You for creating us in Your image and
including us in Your eternal plan. We thank You for blessing us with
family and friends. Sometimes memories are a source of comfort, and
sometimes they are a source of pain. We give the burdens of our hearts
to You in exchange for Your peace. Comfort all those whose hearts are
aching and let them feel the loving embrace of Your everlasting arms.
Open our eyes to the beauty and wonders of Your creation. Speak to our
hearts and remind us that we are even more precious to You than the
little sparrows. We ask these things in Jesus Name. To God be the glory
for ever and ever. Amen.
Jackie Blanchard
London, Ontario, Canada
