Five Months And A Different Year...

When Lynda left this earth for heaven, I first counted it in hours, then by days, later by months.  Now as we enter 2014, it becomes last year when she died.  It somehow makes it seem even longer ago that I saw her when it becomes 2014.

Each year brings challenges and triumphs.  For me, the past five months have been filled with both.  I never dreamed that I would have to say good-bye to Lynda or all of the emotions that would flood my mind and heart. 

I wasn't prepared for how my faith would be deepened and my love for God would overflow when I realized that Lynda's death had actually been her new birth.  I thought I loved Jesus before Lynda died but I found a new dimension to that love when it became so personal for me as a mother.  To know that Lynda would live eternally in heaven with God because He gave His son as the sacrifice for her (and the rest of us) put a different perspective on my faith.  It deepened my faith and my joy far outweighed my sorrow. 

I miss Lynda and her sweet pats on my back as we walked together.  It's hard to bury your child even if you know she's heaven bound.  There is a part of your heart that goes along with your child that will never be returned until you are reunited in heaven.  There is also the total peace that comes with knowing that she is safe and happy with her creator who loves her more than even I can imagine. 

I can look at 2013 as the year that took Lynda from me or I can choose to celebrate it as the year Lynda entered paradise and the best is yet to come.  My faith in God's promises allows me to stand at her grave and grieve my earthly loss as I celebrate her victory over death. 

Five months on earth can seem like an eternity.  In heaven five months is but a blink of the eye.  I wonder each day what Lynda is doing in heaven and while I have no answers to my question I do know that it is beyond my imagination to grasp the concept anyway.  Knowing that she is in the presence of the Trinity in a place prepared for her where she is a new creation....well, it literally doesn't get any better!

2014 brings new excitement for me.  God has always used Lynda to change lives and the end of 2013 brought a personal gift of family reconciliation.  God leaned down and hugged my soul with a gift that only He could provide.  I praise Him for all of His gifts He so freely gives.

Earth is not my home but while I am here I want to make a difference.  I want to live my life to honor God and to show gratitude for the gift of salvation.  Happy New Year and may 2014 be filled with opportunities to serve a risen Savior!