A Dear Friend

Usually, I try to relate in these reflections a life story, some funny, some more serious, but always true and from my heart.  Maybe that’s why this paper is entitled, “…..from the heart…”
 
Tonight as I write this, my heart aches as Armona stands vigil at the bedside of her long-time friend, Martha Hoard.  Martha came into our family life with a simple phone call after her brother had died.  All that was said was, “We are here for you.”  Since then, Martha has been at family holidays, birthdays, and just about any day…Martha was part of our family.
 
Always an encourager, always a friend, never a cross word or even a raised eyebrow.  Then in one day, that all stopped with a stroke.  Bedridden, non-communicative and seemingly wasting away, often we’ve asked God, “You know the purpose for this suffering for You are Sovereign….help us to cope.”
 
But we are not in control, for God alone reigns over life and death.  So, we wait tonight for that last breath we’ve prayed for.  But even knowing the day would come, our hearts are not ready.  Maybe mine hurts so because I know that Armona’s heart is broken.
 
Ours is not to ask why, but to simply trust and obey.  In the end, we praise God for the eternal life waiting each of us who believe in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Martha will soon meet Him face to face.
 
With a heavy heart, I remain,
Martha’s Pastor and friend
© 2019 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved