Wednesday, April 21, 2010

2 bouquets



2 bouquets of beautiful flowers graced my table this week. Both were from 2 very different celebrations of life: My sister's bridal bouquet from her wedding and flowers from my grandmother's funeral. We had a rip roaring time at Kellie's wedding - dancing, eating, laughing, and sharing in her joy that she found someone so wonderful with whom to share her life. But just as high as we were up that night, we were down when 2 hours later, my grandmother joined her Lord and Savior face to face. I am so proud of the fight she gave to hold on until after my sister's wedding, but we are all so sad that we are separated for a while from such a loving, giving person. I will probably share more thoughts on her life later, but I am so thankful for this post and for my mom who shared it with her before she got sick. That trip was the last time we would get to share with her and I am so thankful that she got to meet Nathan and that my girls have such wonderful memories of the time they shared.

The flowers have been a reminder that God is always good. His plan and timing is always perfect and always best. So many times we think we are making choices and decisions for our lives, but God is the one always in control, always working for good for those who love Him. From the smallest details of our lives to the monumental occasions, His hand is leading, guiding, loving. I am thankful for a God that gives and I am thankful for a God who takes away. Just like she always sang, "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before" my grandmother has been given a new body and spends every day face to face with Jesus.

And heaven just got a little bit sweeter.

3 comments:

Valerie said...

What a beautiful post. I'm sorry about your grandmother, but I know she's got to be one proud grandma and smiling down from heaven. My aunt passed away last week, so we had our own funeral to go to over the weekend. Life is hard. But God is so good.

Party of Five said...

Valerie, so sorry to hear about your aunt. I will be praying for your family. Sounds like you guys have had some crazy times as well. Hope things on your side of the border are all ok. Thanks for reading & posting! :)

Tiffany Schwarz said...

Shannon, this is such a beautiful post and a great tribute to your grandmother. I still remember meeting your grandparents when we were just teens. I've always thought you were so blessed to have grandparents like that. :)