Going 'home'

I went with a friend to visit another dear friend of ours on Sunday. Our friend in hospital is in the late stages of cancer. She has fought the fight well, made use of the years God has given her since the first diagnosis, to seek and do his will. The recurrence late last year has taken its toll. She bravely underwent many courses of treatment, she made use of her time in between to catch up with family and friends and even managed to travel.

I firmly agree that 'life is a journey Home', a chance to live out our years in earthly life, in chronos time, all the while on a 'journey', one that prepares us for the 'Home' that awaits us in kairos time. Life is not a game in which to compete for the 'most.......well known, wealthy, successful...' status (even the spiritual life has its own subtle strategies of well known, and successful status), all the while trying to avoid the nasties - of which illness is a big one. Life is time given to notice the presence and action of God in our lives - times and moments when grace breaks through.

I am glad I went in spite of the day of packing and moving things over - the job is never done - until we finally move. It is always a gift to visit with people who have come to terms with life - who exude gratitude to God for all he has done. My friend is ready to 'go home'. There are struggles no doubt - fears of unbearable pain.....but I pray and trust along with her that our God hears our cries.....and makes his presence felt in the valleys of the shadow of death.