Today’s Author: Deb Cordes
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
What a question. What lies beyond the grave? How do I know what I am going to? Will it be ok once I’ve passed? OK – I’m getting up there. These questions were never on my mind when I was growing up but now, it’s a different story.
My mom loved my son, Evan, more than almost anything. She would take care of him after school and in the summer. She took him on “road trips” driving to Hudson to go to Walmart and stop at some restaurant on the way home. Just the two of them. She was also the most devoted Catholic I knew. Faithfully attended Sunday mass and went to as many weekly services as possible. Said prayers morning and night. She was a confirmed child of God.
She died a few years ago and now her ashes rest in our columbarium. It was not an easy death. COPD has stolen her breath. She required oxygen. She had neuropathies that left her in constant pain. There were times I was angry at God for letting her suffer and I prayed he would take her to end her pain. Then I would turn the prayer into a plea for her health and healing not wanting to lose her. Then I would pray for her release in whatever form it would take. Just let her pain end.
Evan just wanted grandma to be OK. When the time came and her final hospitalization occurred. I was most concerned about him and this loss to him. We sat with her, said the Our Father too often to count as it seemed to bring her comfort. The chaplain came in, gave her communion and last rites. She seemed to rest easier. It was time. We knew it. Then Evan walked over and told her it was OK to go. She looked at him and I think it was the last she heard. We told her Jesus was waiting. She left.
After the load of tear and anguish, I knew He had taken her into His arms and it was OK. All I could think of at that moment was the 23rd Psalm:
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack for nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside still waters,
He refreshes my soul.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil for you are with me;
Your rod and staff they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup overflows,
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Amen.
Mid-week devotions are authored by members of our community. If you are interested in creating a trio of reflections to be shared on an upcoming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, contact Pastor Peter.