“From Night to Day”
“Jesus said to
her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even
though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you
believe this?” *
My mom was well known for her sensitive nature. It didn’t take much to
start streams of salt water tears flowing from her eyes. She always had a
tissue in her pocket—just in case! Oftentimes
while wiping away her tears she would say, “I wish I didn’t cry so much!”
Actually, it was this trait that drew both my dad and mom together. One
afternoon while at the movie theater, dad noticed a young lady sitting a couple
of rows ahead of him who was crying away during a poignant moment of the movie.
On their exit from the theater he made quite an impression on her by calling
her a “cry baby”—a bad impression!
She recognized him from high school. He was a year ahead, a football player
who wore a letterman’s jacket as well as a member of the swimming and
basketball teams. Well, she decided that she didn’t want anything to do with the
tall red-headed boy, even if he was popular.
It took quite a while before dad could figure out a way to apologize and
win her favor. They were engaged during his year of basic training with the
Marine Corps; and like many other soldiers during WWII, he was deployed shortly
after they were married. Tears of joy followed by tears of sorrow...
Taking after mom, I find myself crying on all sorts of occasions. It
doesn’t take much to move me to tears. However, the grief felt when someone
beloved passes away or when a tragedy strikes is different altogether.
When dad was getting close to the end of his life, I remember feeling a
sense of dread at the thought of facing people at his “Celebration of Life”
service. If only I could crawl away and hide somewhere!
But somehow it was easier than expected. The prayers and support from
friends and family carried me through that time; and God’s presence brought
peace. Our family was united, strengthening each other as well.
My friend, Ann Marie, compared the
grieving process to that of the ocean’s tides during the years following the
loss of one of her parents. “Sorrow
washes over you like waves,” she told me. Ann Marie shared that grief sometimes
hit like high tide, overwhelming her with emotion, and at other times was like low
tide. That is what I experienced as well, not only after losing dad but also as
I watched mom trying to cope with being alone after 58 years of marriage.
The tears and sorrow have gradually lessened with the passing of the years.
Gratitude has overshadowed the pain of loss. What has comforted me most during
times of mourning and grief is the knowledge that dad had a sweet personal
relationship with Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Faith in the promise of eternal
life through Christ has sustained me again and again as I’ve had to say
good-bye to many beloved family members and friends.
Faith? When Jesus asked Martha, who was grieving the death of her brother
Lazarus, if she believed that He was the resurrection and the life, she
answered “Yes, Lord…I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God who was
to come into the world.” In Him is our hope!
*John 11:25-27 NIV
From Night to Day
Lord, many things happen
which I don’t understand...
floods and famines, children hurt,
the suffering of a friend
How should I pray?
That sorrow and suffering cease?
That your hand of healing
would quickly bring relief?
But, then my faith falters
I often feel confused
My mind seems full of questions
whose answers are refused
Even so, I know you love me
I know you have a plan,
and when the rains come pouring down
Oh Lord, you’re in command.
For you lost your own dear Son
You suffered as He died
Because you loved the world so much
Jesus was crucified
You watched and let it happen
You did not interfere
His death would bring eternal life—
the reward of every tear
Perhaps my tears will also end in joy
Knowing this brings comfort as I pray
and watch the dark night hours
slowly turn to day
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