Monday of Week Four
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“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
—Psalm 145:18
I’m listening to your breathing. It’s ragged, irregular, shallow. You are gripping the blanket, clenching and unclenching your hands. I’m terrified and exhausted after the ordeal of your stroke, knowing you are leaving us. Can you hear me? I don’t know, but I sing to you anyway. I softly reassure you that you were a great mom. You loved your husband and family deeply and well. You were a loyal friend, kind to strangers. But you are ready to go home. I pray through the tears that God would please, please help you find your way home to peace.
Moments later, your breathing deepens, your hands relax. You smile. Your hands are up and reaching out. You whisper softly. Straining to hear, I realize you are speaking to Dad. He has come to meet you. The answer to my prayer. Maybe Dad says, “Welcome to heaven, I’ve missed you so much. Don’t worry, they’ll be fine—we did well.”.
I’m listening to your breathing. It is even and regular. You are sleeping peacefully at last. I breathe you in as if you are perfume. Your skin is petal-soft and rosy. Your fingers wrap around mine. You sigh and smile as if dreaming of a beautiful day. You are exactly where you want to be at this moment—in the arms of your mother. You are perfect in every way. Made in God’s image. Loved beyond measure.
Then you open your eyes and peer at me, seeming unsure of who I am and where exactly you are. Welcome to the beautiful world, little one. Here you will be surrounded by a loving family. You will be watched over by a loving God. You will know love, happiness and true joy. But you will find out soon enough that heartbreak, sorrow, illness, anger and fear are also a part of this beautiful place. This life won’t always be easy. It can get a bit messy and painful here. You will need help to get through it. I pray that you will know who to turn to for that help. Know that God’s love is real and unfailing. He will not forget who you are to Him and you will never walk through hard times alone.
You are safe.
You can rest.
Author: Mary Jean Slazer
Personal Reflection:
Breathe. Reflect on how you are breathing. Think about death and resurrection. Reflect on the two in your life. Take a cleansing breath and be at peace.
Daily Action:
Find a recording of a song that brings you peace and calms your breathing. Share that song with someone today.
