Be strong and brave and don’t tremble in fear of them, because the Eternal your God is going with you. He’ll never fail you or abandon you. Deuteronomy 31:6 The Voice
More drawers to empty. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, dressers. All held memories of my mom and dad.
As my brothers and I prepared to sell our parents’ condo, decisions had to be made. For each item the same questions--keep it, sell it, give it away or throw it away? The process had worn me down physically and emotionally.
Months ago, I has said good bye to dad. With each of his things, I had to do it again. A basketball signed by the Orlando Magic for his retirement. Medals for softball, basketball, and track from his senior games. A folded piece of paper with a devotional on patience. Something he struggled with.
With Mother’s weakened condition, she would never return to their home. Sadness filled me as I remembered her energy and enthusiasm for making their condo a home. Dishes and pans that would never contain her delicious meals filled the cabinets. Flower arrangements, needlework, and crocheted items decorated the rooms.
Reminders of happier times blossomed everywhere. Love for each other and their family stood out.
After working for days, we had covered much of the house. Everyone else had left so I was continuing to clean out. In the bedroom, I hesitated. What would I find in the nightstand?
I pulled out the first drawer. Empty. The second drawer was also empty. However, when I tried to put them back, they wobbled. I pushed and pulled with no success. By sitting on the floor, I could see the track to get them aligned.
Something caught my eye in the back of the nightstand. I reached inside and grabbed a wrinkled paper. I smoothed it out.
Through tears, I read the title-- Letter from Heaven. There was no author listed. As I continued reading, I cried.
To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived ok.
I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above
Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I am out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “ I welcome you.
It’s good to have you back again, you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you’re part of my plan
There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.”
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight
God and I are closest to you... in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry, it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er,
I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and in pain;
Then you can say to God at night... “My day was not in vain.”
And now I am contented... that my life was all worthwhile
Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you’re walking down the street and you’ve got me on your mind;
I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it’s time for you to go... from that body to be free,
Remember you’re not going... you’re coming here to me.
That poem, though maybe not theologically accurate, comforted me. I pictured dad and Alan watching my difficult times since their recent deaths.
God knew I needed comfort and encouragement at that moment. Loneliness pushed its way into my life as I struggled to close another chapter of my life. The surprise poem brought be closer to God and those I had lost. No one sat with me in the condo, but I knew I was not alone.
God’s perfect timing revealed a poem long ago stowed in that drawer. Through my tears, I thanked God for taking care of me in all situations.
Heavenly Father, thank you for always being with me and surprising me with peace, comfort, and joy. Amen
