"Blessed be ... the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." --- 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
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Friday evening we lost our neighbor, Sally.
For 10 years Sally and her daughter, Sue, lived across the street and often I mentioned her to you. Sally in her dusters feeding the birds or sweeping her lilac-scented porch where we chatted (after one icy, long winter I told Sally her sunny, warm porch felt like a corner of Heaven).
Waving to Sally and shouting, "Hello!" while I raked leaves. Sitting in her cozy living room with Sue's dogs, The Price is Right playing. Taking Sally little birthday cards or gifts in May. Watching from our big windows Sally and her granddaughter and great-grandchildren and Sue lounging beside wading pools on oppressive, hot days, laughing. Sally walking Buddy, the dashchund, down the street.
Sally at the back door bringing us stew she'd just made or visiting here and complimenting me on a dessert I'd created. Sally thanking me for the strawberries from my yard, joking that she'd probably finish the entire jar before Sue got home. Sally companionably speaking with neighbors out on walks past her house.
Oh dear, Sally was 21 years older than me, but I tried not to think about when she would wing her way to Heaven, thus leaving our neighborhood without her sweet presence, sense of humor and peaceful heart. What will we all do without her?
Frankly, God is still showing me. He's still trying to cheer me up.
He said I could honor Sally by feeding the birds as faithfully as she did, so I filled the feeder and the suet basket, as well. Went inside and soon spied a squirrel nibbling the suet, but just as I raised my hand to pound on tap the window, I recalled Sally loved squirrels. No, really, cared for them like outdoor pets.
So, instead, I stood silently at the kitchen window and realized I'll need to love squirrels now, also.
And, too, be even more smiling and chatty to neighbors stepping past our house and wave and share an unhurried peace, an invitation to talk longer than just in passing.
And so, the Sally Season of my life is over. For years I reminded myself to appreciate it, to slow it down, but still it sailed by in a blur.
Yes, I know Sally's all giddy in Heaven; she loved Jesus with all her heart, but! When you see someone across your street for 10 years and during your up-close interactions, oh my, the hole they leave. The jarring change.
You're assured of their eternal joy, but what about this new empty space in your own still-here, daily life?
But last night God did hint that He has things in store for me up the road a bit. Things yet unimagined. Things which will bring from-the-heart smiles again while helping others and being a conduit for godly joy.
And for the first time since hearing of Sally's passing, I began feeling anticipatory even in a neighborhood without my friend. Who ever knows just what kind of adventures God will provide...
... and what new beginnings He'll bring to help heal our hearts?
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted...This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. " --- Matthew 5:4, Psalm 119:50
A special thanks to those of you at Facebook who gave me your condolences.
The seasons of our lives...
None were meant to last forever, at least, none upon this temporary plain, so it behooves us to live each season well and do our best to appreciate all moments of its--and our--life here.
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"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." ... Matthew 6:14,15
