A Sweet Reunion, Saying Good Bye To Grandma Joan

I didn't know her well. Only through birthday parties,  drop off or pick ups during custody exchanges. I only knew her through visiting at the grocery store or the Thrift shop. I knew her smile and her love for Chelsea and her infatuation with Christiana; the mini Chelsea. I knew her caring nature in recognizing Elijah's desire to enter the military and the beautiful card and gift she sent for his graduation. One I had to take care of after he had been called home. I know of her intent to hold my hand when my son was called home so suddenly. She too, no stranger to the loss of a child. Today we will celebrate her life; Chelsea's Grandmother. 

A woman who I knew only as an acquaintance. 

Yet whom my step daughter loved. Watching the hurt and pain in your children is hard.

 Repeated jabs to Chelsea's young life.

 A brother torn from her. Her beloved father in a battle for his life. And now this.

Yet in the midst of all the sadness and heartache. 

God chose to send life. 

Before the dawn of time he called that little Lilah Rose into being. 

Oh how He knew we would all need life. 

Baby smiles and coo's. 

Snuggles and distraction. 

And it is this New Life we are called into living;

2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: 
The old has gone, the new is here!

living as a child wrapped in a Father's loving arms. 

It is in knowing you are loved beyond anything this world has to offer. 

There is no physical relationship on this earth, no matter how wonderful,

 that can match the Savior's love for us. 

It is this love that spurs us on to make a difference in this world.

 To change one person at a time with the love offered so freely.
To repent and turn from our old ways, to the new and glorious.

Grandma Joan, you will be missed greatly.
Your wit and smile will be remembered.
And I can only think how sweet your reunion with your precious Anna must have been.
Oh what joy. 

Revelation 21:4
He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."