Hope

I don't know that I've ever been able to honestly say that I'm eagerly awaiting Christ's return. While I hope for it, a little part of me always thinks "But what if He comes before I get married...have kids...do this...go there?" That's changed recently, though, as I've begun to identify more and more with this passage:

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:22-23

Last night, my grandfather died. He had a stroke on Tuesday, so I've had a few days to grieve and I've found comfort beyond explanation.

My comfort is in knowing that my sweet grandfather is not only in his Creator's presence, but that he no longer groans inwardly or awaits his redemption. He's been redeemed, he's complete in ways that my human mind can't even imagine.

On Tuesday, as I drove to my parent's house to see my family, I prayed for comfort. As often happens for me, I found it in a song. This is "Love Wins" by the Robbie Seay Band and it sums up all of my scattered thoughts beautifully.

It's a big world, we are hoping
For a big change, we are broken
In the fading light of a dying sun
We cry for redemption

There is hope, there is hope, there is hope
But everyone who's lost will be coming home
And everything that hurts will be whole again
And love will be the last thing standing

Can't stop, you can't stop the seasons
Don't stop, don't stop believing

Keep on dreaming of the day when it all will change
Believe in the end, love wins
If you're waiting for the time when the sun will shine
Oh look above cause love wins

If it hurts you, just breathe in
When it pains you, just believe in
The radiant light of the morning sun
We can find our redemption

Love is strong, love is strong, love is strong
It's been there holding you all along
Everything thrown away will be new again
And love will be the last thing standing

There is hope, there is hope for my lonely soul
There is hope, there is hope to be made whole
There is life, there is life to be set free
There is life, there is life surrounding me
There is hope, there is hope for my broken heart
There is hope, there is hope for a brand new start
There is life, there is life, give me eyes to see
There is life, there is life, You have captured me

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Today's my mom's birthday! Like most of the best-laid plans, it's not turning out exactly as she hoped, but nevertheless, I wish her a very happy day. She deserves no less.

I've got to take a minute to brag on my mom just a little bit. She's an incredible woman. Here's just a few items on her resume:

• She's an incredible mother - willing to let her kids be themselves and encouraging them to fly on their own.
• She's a devoted wife, sticking with my dad for almost 27 years and supporting him every step of the way.
• She's had a long career as a teacher - I think this year marks twenty years. She's taught K-12, all subjects and has had three kids graduate so far.
• She's easily the most talented person I've ever met - a great painter, seamstress, writer, decorator, cook, baker, scrapbooker - she's the complete package.
• She's had numerous part-time jobs over the years - teaching painting, booths at craft shows, working retail and sewing home dec projects.

Over the past couple of years, Mom has found the one thing that I think gives her personal satisfaction, as she's joined the children's ministries staff at church. She loves those kids so much and she loves her volunteers maybe just a little bit more. I've never seen her so excited about something - she can barely talk about anything else.

It's been an absolute joy to be my mother's daughter these 24 years, but it's been an even greater joy to be her friend these past few. Thanks, Mom, for all the love, support, encouragement, girls' nights out, listening ears, crops, advice, laughter, tears...thanks for being more than just a mother, but my Mama! I love you!