I Remember

"When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.  Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice." - Psalms 63:6-7

Dear Friends,

"My sister and me used to have bunk beds.  This reminds of me of that. Do you remember Stephanie? It's like we are having a pajama party."

I remember. I sat with my sister in her Hospice room and I remembered.  Bunk beds that we sometimes had stacked and at other times they were laid side by side, like twin beds.  I remember that we are not in our room of long ago. Unless the Lord says otherwise when this "party" is over my sister will be with the Lord and I will return to my earthly home. 

I remember. God was a Mighty Fortress during those days.  In a place where people go to comfortably die, the Lord was teaching a lesson on how to live.  Praise and worship was the norm.  My sister the angelic soprano sang.  Family came in the room and formed a choir and sang.  "The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness." (Isaiah 61:3 cf)  

I remember the graciousness of my sister as she thanked every staff member each time they assisted her.  She told friends and family how much she appreciated every thing they had done for her.  She smiled and spoke softly.  We laughed and we cried.  I more than she.  "Don't leave me.  You're my only sister.  I don't want you to go."  These words my heart whispered.  Audibly I attempted to say all the words God led me to.  I said "I love you Gretchen." She said, "I love you too."

I remember. Tomorrow it will be four years since my sister passed away.  My Lord.  The Lord has blessed.  The Holy Spirit has comforted.  Time has moved on.
We mourn that she is gone.  My father misses her. My brothers miss her. Her daughter and nieces and nephews miss her. Her family and friends miss her. Yet, we have hope.  In the morning, when all is said and done.  We will meet again.

I remember. The presence of God that shed light in a room. The room of the valley of the shadow of death.
I remember.  Fearing no evil for the Lord was with us.  I remember. Weeping does endure for a night but joy comes in the morning.

I remember. There is no wound so deep, or heart so broken that the Lord cannot heal. I remember. Meditating in the night watches God has blessed my heart.  My prayer is that He will bless your heart and grant those things you stand in need of.  Grief, sickness, sadness, Jesus is the Answer.

I remember. "Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings I will rejoice."

I remember.

God bless!
in Christ,
Sis. Stephanie