Life is a mist...

Sometimes I feel that God gives us a glimpse of what heaven is like.  Yesterday, I heard the angels sing, well... that is what is it seemed like to me.   It was really just my brother's voice, but he shouldn't have been able to sing at all.  He struggles to breathe.  He is dying with lung cancer.  I thought I would encourage him by playing the guitar and singing some songs he loves. But, when he started singing, almost in a whisper and then at full voice... we, that were gathered around him could not stop the tears that flowed from our eyes.  He always had a beautiful voice but it was more beautiful just realizing that the Holy Spirit was singing through him.   He struggles with constant pain, but he lives each day holding on to the next.  

He does not complain.  He is grateful for the sun, for the rain, for his little dogs that gather around his feet and the one that jumps up on his lap and licks his face.  He is thankful for his brother who comes daily and cares for him.  He is grateful for the tiny amount of food that he can eat.  He is always concerned about others.  He does not blame God... He is Job.

On the other hand, I am pilgrim.  I struggle with this part of my journey.  My tears are coming more easily now...  He is not gone, but I am grieving... I am losing a friend, one that makes me laugh.  I am reminded of our childhood years; chasing each other around the yard... climbing trees, comforting each other in the face of tragedy... I am also reminded that our lives are just a  breath... a whisper in the wind... 

I am so glad that God has so much more to offer than this world... We will laugh again. 

The book of James tells us to be patient in suffering...

"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, 

take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you

know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You

have heard  of Job's perseverance and have seen what the 

Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion

and mercy."   James 5:10-11

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because

when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of

life that God has promised to those who love Him."

                       James 1:12

..."What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little

while and then vanishes."

                     James 4:14

Oh, but the hope we have in Jesus!  This world will always have it's pain and struggle but the Word of the Lord... His love,  His faithfulness, remains forever...