Grueling tasks today; cancel school loans (for an education that will never be used), cancel air flights (for trips that will never be taken), cancel credit cards (whose products purchased will be enjoyed no more) Gruesome tasks; death certificates needed for proof. If they could only look into this mother’s eyes, no further proof would be needed. Look no further than this mother’s broken heart for your proof of a son once here, now forever gone from this earth. These tasks are horrific, because they remind me of a life cut short, all of the things that could have been, that never will be.
But death does not have the final say. What is a brilliant architectural career, when compared with Heaven’s Celestial City? What are trips here on earth, compared to endless universes of God’s glory? And what does this earth have to offer that could ever compare to the matchless worth of an eternal life with Christ?
Gruesome tasks, but needed reminders that this is not my home. Lord, use these tasks to bind my heart to the things not yet seen by these eyes, and use them to loosen earth’s grip on my affections.
Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.
grieving with hope 
I have been avoiding my convictions… “Should I post, no I can’t, better to be silent than sorry for an insensitivity-a word un fitly spoken”. On and on my mind but I am compelled. I have read, reread, & rereread your posts as well as the posts of others. So articulate, spot-on, edifying, and encouraging. They have become my devotionals. I too have been about “grueling tasks”. Dad passed away a few weeks before Grant. Each and every time I grieve for you & myself, these posts encourage me & affirm Christ-like thoughts. I know we can’t add to the perfect words of the Bible but I can’t help but feel your posts should be chapters in there somewhere! I know God is saying, “Atta girl my Alisa & co.!” (theologian’s translation: “Well done, good and faithful servant”) You and your family are in our prayers many, many times throughout the day! Thanks again for being the eyes, ears, hands and feet of Christ, love you guys, Mark & Deb
P.S. I can’t help but picture an old Army vet having a few laughs with a young architect on new assignments in heaven!
Deb, I am undone by your kind words, and oh, so humbled. And more grateful than I can express that you are praying for us and helping us to bear this burden. Lastly, I am so sorry about your precious daddy. I will be praying for you as well. Love you friend. And thanks again…I am so glad you decided to write; it was beautiful and brought comfort ❤