a tribute

"... Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" ( or hers)  Numbers 23:10 KJV


A tribute to my beloved Aunt Selma

she is ending her life cradled in the arms of God
Jesus is holding her in his beloved arms
sitting next to her
holding her hand

When all else fades away
awareness and cognizance dims and weakens

He is still there
still the same

When the connection to dear family and friends grows distant and breaks
He is still there
carrying her home

to the place he has prepared

but even how wonderful the place is 
and all the beloved ones there eagerly awaiting her arrival

It is you O, Lord that is our deepest relationship
our greatest joy
our most beloved place is to be with you

Selma knew you
she was not perfect in herself 
but she made the choice to trust in you
and what Jesus has done to make us able to know you

She spent a lifetime trusting you
listening to you
both receiving and giving your love

She was well beloved by so many
because she spent a lifetime 
seeking to love those God had put around her

I am one of those
I am so grateful the Lord has given us these 84 years with her
now it is time to let her go home to be with you

So many things clamor for my attention and focus and energy

but really only one thing matters
to know you and believe and receive your love
so deep that it changes us from the inside out

transforming how we view and interact with others. 

Yes, Lord, let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his. 
These words were uttered by someone who though aware and desirous of this end, did not end this way. 

Help me Lord, to not be fooled by the false values and priorities that claim my days, my affections, my opportunities

Help me to see you and let this view the end that will come, shape my here and now. 
Reveal your self to me, far and above all that glitters and distracts
help me to see you, trust you and respond to you. 

Those who trust in you will never be put to shame. 

I will end with no sense of bitter loss but only of fullness and expectation of coming home to you. 

May she have this joy that you are with her, leading her through this difficult passing and will bring her home 
where she will see you face to face 
and know you even as she is known by you.
Amen