It was 365 days ago, that Wendy went to be with the Lord. Her request was for me to be at her side holding her hand when she breathed her last breath and the Lord in His kindness gave us that moment. Someone asked me to repeat that time together and only now do I feel it is right. I remember, Wendy was just sleeping, three days of no food or drink and not conscious, a few days before that, she had asked for me to pray for God to welcome her home in heaven soon. It was at 1 am that her breathing was labored as I held her hand and prayed for her, she released my hand and I believe at that moment she took the hand of the Lord in glory. Her final breath was peaceful and complete, she just relaxed completely. There were no visions of heaven the days preceding her graduation just rest and I believe a longing to be with our Lord was fulfilled. We had said our goodbyes, she longed to be with Jesus. For the previous nearly nine months that she lived with the inoperable brain cancer we would pray for the Lord to return so we could be caught up together, for God to heal her miraculously or for God to let her be peacefully graduated from this life to the next for eternity. God healed her in glory.
The past year has just raced by, first there were arrangements for her memorial service, the many people, the thoughtful greetings, the phone calls, and many precious greeting cards. Next came the silence, it was a blessing and it was deafening. The evenings and the mornings merged, but the trial of sorting it all was worth it all. Afterall, only Jesus can satisfy the soul. There are several passages in the Scriptures that are just treasured as I reflect our times reading them together. Her paintings and the photos of us are special, the Bible devotions left behind were reminders of what was, she really loved teaching the ladies and children in the church.
While sorting her things to contribute to others I found the following devotion she wrote. I share this with you to bring comfort, God is able to bring comfort in trials.
“Idea Book” for Ladies SS [Sunday School] Class on Trials/Offenses by Wendy Jackson
(I believe this was written by Wendy around October of 2016 about ten months before her diagnosis of Terminal Brain Cancer, it is in a small 3”by 5” booklet with hand written truths I have left a space between each thought that was written on separate pages in the little booklet, I trust it gives you insight of her thinking).
Trials
Put them in the Correct Place
Trials, Tears Hurt, Disappointment, Betrayal, Sorrow, Offense, Grief, Worry, Loss, Heart Broken
Read these “perspectives” and “benefits” of every “trial” before me!
Friendship Rule A & B
A. Jesus is my true friend-He never betrays or never lies about me or leaves me or snaps at me!
B. Jesus is the One. I talk, pray confide laugh & cry-to! (No other should get my first thoughts)
Death Acceptance Rule C-D
C. I long to be with Jesus in Heaven (Earth, family, home are temporary)
D. When I lose a loved one-by death or their decisions… I’m not crushed- I gave them to the Lord long ago!
Nothing shall offend me… Rule E-G
E. I learn what true offense or pain is—from Jesus. Mine can’t compare to all He has born for me.
F. If I keep this in the right perspective I will not be offended I give that power to only Jesus-for His correction in my life.
G. I will try to have only face to face discussions-with a peaceful -forgiving heart.
That is all I will share this morning. It is 1:15 am about the time I phoned my sons to tell them one year ago that their mom had graduated to heaven. Philippians 4:8-9
Thank you for this post!
Every word is a blessing.
We sure made some good memories together!