Loss. . . and Gain.

This has been one of the most difficult weeks of my life thus far. . . as I sat down to process it all through writing, I realized I really don't know how to even write about it. Three dear people were lost in the space of 4 short days. Heaven is the richer for it but we are left weeping. . . and even as we weep, we are assured that each of these souls is now resting in the arms of Jesus. For them, the struggle and toil of this life is over. Though I do not wish to meet death, I cannot help but be envious of their eternal station. I, too, shall one day meet with my Master and Redeemer but in the meantime, I am left in this mortal shell--trying to sort out, trying to make sense, grieving those who have gone before.
Yesterday morning, we buried a mother--gone too soon from this earth. She faced difficulties that I shall never know in this life and sadly, one day those difficulties overcame her and she saw only one way out. Could I have helped? Was I remiss? She is gone from us and we are left wondering. But no. . . these questions are not productive unless we can apply them to current relationships and seek to be more attentive to those around us. Ultimately, the tragic decision she made did not rest with us. She chose. We weep. We pick up the pieces and carry on, ministering to those she left behind. Above all, we REJOICE. She is at peace. She is FREE. She is in the arms of the One she loved so dearly.
Yesterday afternoon, eyes nearly dry and emotions spent, we buried a child. He, too, was gone too soon. The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, saw that it was in the child's best interest to be at the Throne of Grace rather than here. He is no longer plucking his way through life on this earth. . . he too is free. We comfort the grieving father and are encouraged by his knowledge that his son had indeed chosen Christ.
Tomorrow, we will bury another dear woman. She fell prey to cancer and we were powerless to stop it. There was nothing anyone could do. She also is free. She is free from the pain, from the cancer, from the difficulties of life. Again, we weep. And we rejoice, since Jesus is holding her hand and she is not sad.
Perhaps these writings do not make sense. . . perhaps they sound more negative than they should. . . or perhaps too positive, depending on your perspective. All I can say is that the myriad of emotions this week has been nearly overwhelming. I am so very grateful to friends and family for upholding me. . . and ultimately I praise THE ONE who sees and knows and orchestrates all. It is all for His glory. . . in that will I rest.