I’ve been telling many of my friends and family, “YOUR Room is ready” for months now. Here I sit, writing in the car as my husband and I make our way south to FL to spend the winter with our daughter and escape the cold of Western PA. Hillary will be there for the next three years pursuing her doctorate degree in OT and needed housing so buying a townhouse was a win-win decision. There are three bedrooms in our townhouse. I affectionately refer to the third one as YOUR. You see, the hardest part of this whole snowbird thing is that we’re leaving a whole bunch of special people behind in PA. I miss them already! Though I’m looking forward to this new chapter, it’s somewhat bittersweet.
The passing of a loved one can also be a bittersweet experience, at least if that person is a follower of Jesus. While the heartache is real and painful, we rejoice that they are no longer in pain and suffering. It brings us comfort to know that they have reached their eternal home.
When my beloved 16-year-old nephew went to his heavenly home in 2007, the following scripture passage was read at his funeral & memorial service:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4 NIV
In the midst of deep grief, these words were comforting. Unlike our townhouse in FL, there are many rooms in God’s house. There WILL be room at this inn for all who believe. Your reservation was made the day you turned your life over to Jesus. And guess what? YOUR room will be ready! He will come for you and take you there at just the right time. He said so!
You may be familiar with these words from the chorus of the popular hymn When We All Get to Heaven: (Sing it if you wish!)
When we all get to heaven
What a day of rejoicing that will be
When we all see Jesus
We’ll sing and shout the victory…
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray you will find peace and comfort in knowing that one day, in His perfect time, you will be reunited. It will indeed be a day of rejoicing!
Until then, YOUR room is ready in FL (reservations required)!
Really missed you at choir practice last night. Barb on one side and Anita on the other side. Barb needs help once in a while, like we all do. Anita on the other hand needs a lot of help. Then there is Adam behind me. It was a real blast. Take care and God bless.
Beautiful writing Polly! Have a wonderful winter in Florida! Enjoy spending time with Hillary…??
Probably your best writing ever. I am blessed to call you daughter-in-law. What a gift Polly! Love you,
Nanny
Thank you for this Polly <3 The words to the song you quote were requested by mom to be on the back of her celebration of life service bulletin. It IS bittersweet but mom knew the Lord and wanted so badly to be "home" for Christmas. You are truly blessed with the gift of writing. I look forward to each of your posts. Safe travels!
Beautifully written as always. My best for safe travels and good heath in Florida. It will be such a gift to be warm AND with Hillary for the winters.
This brought a tear to my eye Polly. Not for sadness but of longing for the day when I get to celebrate with my loved ones who went before me and to finally be with Christ. Thank you for the vision !
Beautiful, Polly! Thank you. So glad you have the warm sun on your weary body and that you will be with Hillary Jayne all winter. I do have to admit that it’s easier to say because I already have my reservation in February! ? See you real soon! Love you!