Heaven Bound

During our visit today with Jim’s Nana, I couldn’t help but be struck by the bittersweet nature of her condition.  Nana cannot walk, talk, or feed herself, and continues to decline cognitively.  But I wonder if somewhere, deep inside her mind, she knows that she is nearly with her Lord.  Most of us, no matter how hard we try, do not fully live each day as if it were our last.  We plan, we look forward, we prepare for the future, even though none of us are guaranteed tomorrow.  Nana cannot do any of that.  For her, there is no anxiety, no worries about the days ahead.  I like to think that she knows that she is in the Father’s Hands, and that He is slowly leading to Himself.  It is sometimes hard for us to understand why the Lord allows her to linger on this earth, when she doesn’t seem to be living.  But perhaps she is savoring these last moments before she is brought to her Heavenly resting place.  Perhaps her silent smiles, her worn Bible, are testifying to her caregivers of her upcoming home.  Perhaps, when she looks into the eyes of her great-grandchildren, she knows that her life has served to bring life to others.  Perhaps the simple feel of a tiny hand on hers reminds her that Heaven is near.   

When in heaven I see Thy glory
When before Thy throne I bow,
Perfected I shall be like Thee,
Fully Thy redemption know.
My Redeemer!
Then shall hear me shout His praise.