The Best is Yet to Come

John 12:24
Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed.  But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

We struggle with death and dying.  We want to live.  We want those we love to live.  It's in our nature.  But . . . This is not the end.  It's just the beginning, and the best is yet to come for those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ!  So . . . Even though we are dying, even though those we love are, we must live! ~Dusty Rayburn at Devoted Conversations 

Thursday, March 19th, marked the one year anniversary of my father's passing.  I haven't stopped missing him.  I haven't stopped grieving his loss.  That he was a caring, loving, selfless man who successfully made friends out of would-be enemies during his career speaks volumes to the influence of his Christian upbringing.  Speaks volumes to me today as I try, in my own small way, to encourage and inspire others as he encouraged and inspired me, the daughter always standing in awe of his grace and strength.

I know as I write these words, there are many of you out there who have lost beloved friends and family members.  You miss them every day and long for the reunion in heaven which seems so far away.  Perhaps, like me, you are wishing the years with your loved ones were spent with more care, more attentiveness, and with more thankfulness for their irreplaceable presence.

Because now, they are sorely missed . . . 

I so miss my Daddy.

I long to talk with him as we did before Alzheimer's robbed him of his acumen and wisdom.

I drift upon memories, recollecting the stories he concocted when my brother and I were small, stories which were the catalyst for many of our childhood games.  Stories which, many years later, became the foundation for The Glade Series.

I reminisce about the times I made Dad proud and the times I tried his patience (That was hard to do!).  I remember the so, so many times his accomplishments made my heart swell with pride for him.  And if I close my eyes and sit in silence, I can still hear his gentle voice as if he is right beside me, assuring me that all is well and all will be well.

For as Dusty writes:  This is not the end.  It's just the beginning, and the best is yet to come for those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ!

I miss you, Daddy.

I love you.

And one day, I will see you again.

Because the best is yet to come . . . 

Prayer:  Father, please comfort those who are grieving the loss of a loved one today.  Fill them with Your grace, peace and mercy.  Hold them close in Your loving embrace.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Meditations of My Heart will be on a two-week hiatus beginning next week.  Your prayers are much appreciated as I will attempt to complete my novel sequels during this time.  May God bless you and may your Easter celebration be filled with joy!