Journey home

A dear friend of mine lost her mother a couple of days ago. Her mother was well on in age, in her mid-nineties, and since a fall several years ago, her health has gradually deteriorated. So, it was not a sudden loss. And yet, as we talked about it, every loss of a loved one is a grief, and earthly relationships do mean a lot to us.

As my friend journeyed with her mother, who had been hospitalised during her last few weeks, I was very blessed to be a part of that journey - particularly through upholding them in prayer. It was a wonderful gift for my friend to be able to journey with her mother on this last stage of the journey 'home'. As I told my friend, I felt blessed to be part of something that I personally did not have the chance to experience with my own mother, as she battled with cancer and succumbed to it. I was young and immature then, lacking in faith and not able to let my mother go (and she herself fought hard to stay on in order to be there for my brother who had not completed his studies), even when I was assured that she had confessed her faith in Christ.

Well, the clock cannot be turned back. And yet, God in his gracious way has allowed me to share this journey of my friend, and experience, even if in a second-hand way, what it is like to accompany a loved one who is going 'home'.

"Take me home.....to Your dwelling place

In Your sweet embrace

Ready to hold me

in Your arms

Take me home.....to Your loving eyes

With You again I'll rise

Singing forever

In Your arms,

take me home" (David Haas)

A favorite song of mine at times like this.