Friday, December 14, 2007
to my brother
dear tim,
i saw a funny thing yesterday. i was driving through a neighborhood near elisabeth's school and i saw a house decorated for christmas. it had one of those old plastic manger scenes that i just love on the front porch. mary and baby jesus were to the left of the front door and joseph was to the right. i thought it was funny that the homeowner had split up the special couple. but that wasn't the funniest part. the thing that made me laugh out loud was right there in the midst of the holy family was a big tower of boxes from amazon.com. so maybe that is why they split them up, to make room for the deliveries? i wish i had gotten a picture, because doesn't that say it all about how things are these days?
and as i thought about that, i was reminded of you. and i wanted to tell you that actually, you are always on my mind right now. i know this is a really hard time for you. for anyone who has lost a loved one, christmas can be such a sad season. i keep thinking i am not in the mood for any of it. but maybe that is because i have had it all wrong for so long. when i think about santa, family traditions, old carols and holiday gatherings, the absence of jake is so evident and painful. but when i can think beyond this earth, if i can just try to keep in the forefront of my mind that the whole reason we celebrate this holiday is because christ came to save jake, to bring him to heaven because he loves him so much and because of christmas we will see him again because he loves us too. if i can just keep that perspective and try not to focus on the fluff, then i really do want to celebrate. joy to the world, i get it...joy! because we will live forever. joy. because we will see jake again. thank God. and merry christmas. the real one.
love,
your sister
since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. colossians 3:1,2
17 Comments:
So beautiful. I needed to read that message at that exact moment.The holy spirit works in such miraculous ways.
Beautiful.
what a testimony to your faith sweet bethy...such a beautiful encouragement to your brother too.
praying your family will truly feel the peace of jesus this year.
xo
Does it make sense that feel blessed by your faith, homedaisy? Because I do.
Thank you for writing this. it is just beautiful and perfect. Thank you for dropping by to visit, Bethy. Thank you for this sweet tribute to a little boy lost too soon and thank you for helping me to once again put it all in perspective.
Oh Bethy, yes. I'm crying of course... with a mix of sadness and pain for your family at the loss of a sweet baby, a gorgeous little one. And also with joy and a "peace that surpasses understanding" that God has chosen to bless us with salvation through his son.
Your beautiful post is just what I needed to snap me back into reality today. I've had a crazy day, and this a great reminder of what is important. Thank you!
This is so beautiful and touching. What a blessing to read, and what a precious reminder of what we are truly celebrating.
Thank you.
oh girl...you are amazing. don't you know his precious little soul is beaming with delight this very second and will continue to do so eternally. GOD BLESS YOU and your brother and family. talk to you soon.
You are a gift, my dearest B... you know that, right? Thank you.
your post was so moving. that was extremely loving of you to send those words to your brother. you are right on about the "real" message this christmas season.
This touched my heart. Sending my prayers for your family to continue to experience God's presence in the midst of your loss and hurt.
Hugs,
Lallee
So beautiful. God Bless.
That brought tears to my eyes because I will always vividly remember your post about Jake and the photo of you holding him. My good friend who is single (and probably will be as he is close to 40) just became an uncle for the first time yesterday. He is elated, especially because he always wanted to be a father! Children are such blessings...miracles...and I have to remember that our time with them is not to be taken for granted. Thanks for helping me remember that...and God definately has little Jake in His arms... along with all the heavenly souls, young and old.
beautifully written. I can't imagine the sorrow, pain and courage it takes to keep stepping forward........great reminder.
I cried reading this. Thank you for such a beautiful and intimate post. Little Jake is watching over you and your family - I have no doubt.
Wishing you and your family all the true joys of Christmas.
We all need t5o read this post today...and what a blessing you are all to one another as a family. I had actually been thinking about your brother and sister in law...although none of us actually have met one another, their lives have touched mine. Through you all of us have had the chance to renew our own faith.
My thoughts are with you all...
Blessings dear Bethy.
Hugs,
Sue
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