Oct
26
2013
God’s Waiting Room
Posted in Faith 8 Comments
My dear friend is burying her father today.
It has been a long month in God’s waiting room.
Though the month was long and arduous, it was also a gift.
God has a way of doing that.
My friend’s father was an attorney with a keen mind even when his body was failing.
He had reached his 90th birthday and has spent his last years a widower.
He and his wife had four children; one died very young.
The other three formed a familial sandwich: two boys with a girl in between.
Each is established with families of their own.
Each mourns their father in their own way.
Each honored him as they waited.
Mr. L. had fallen and broken his hip.
He had done that years before but did not recover as quickly this time.
It is terribly difficult to have a sharp mind with a body that won’t cooperate.
Mr. L’s ninety-year-old body began to shut down.
Whether medicine or some other reason, Mr. L had a heightened sensitivity to touch.
Touch became painful, so physical therapy for his hip was impossible.
Holding his hand hurt him too much.
A kiss on the cheek felt like a blow to his face.
It was very difficult for my friend who could not reach out and touch her father.
But she could touch his heart.
She talked to him, even when he slept.
She read to him, particularly the 23rd Psalm; which comforted them both.
She released him, when he was still able to speak and said he wanted to be with his wife.
She told him she loved him and caught glimpses of clarity and recognition in his eyes.
For those moments he was present with her, heart to heart.
Before he stopped speaking all together, he told her he loved her.
She and her brothers were in God’s waiting room.
No one leaves this earth one second sooner or later than God determines.
Many good things happen in God’s waiting room.
My friend was given time there.
Time so there were no unraveled ends to the tapestry of their lives.
Time so there were no unspoken words between them.
Time to know her father better.
Time to give him the dignity and honor he deserved.
God had set this period of waiting firmly in His plan.
God knew when she and her brothers would exit His waiting room.
Hospice was called in for the last days of Mr. L’s earthly life.
Mr. L was lovingly tended and honored by strangers who quickly became friends.
Cared for by people that knew the Lord and were His hands and feet as they ministered.
God’s people in God’s waiting room caring and ministering in His name.
My friend and her brothers were by their father’s side.
She watched as his breathing changed.
They were all there as his fragile shell took its last breath.
They exited God’s waiting room with peace in their hearts.
It was a job well done.
There are no magazines in God’s waiting room, but there is His Word.
God’s Word that is mandatory reading while you are waiting.
God’s Word that comforts when you want to stop the world and get off.
My friend had to prepare her father’s memorial service.
She honored him then too, following his traditions, even if they are different from hers.
There is a machine, even in the church, that churns without thought or compassion.
There is the clipboard way of doing things, from which you are not to deviate.
My friend cares not about religion but cares everything about relationship with her Lord.
She wanted special music, but was told she needed to use their music and their singer.
She wanted Psalm 23 read but they wanted it sung.
There is no comfort apart from Christ.
Machines keep you in a sterile waiting room with no hope.
God’s has you in His waiting room with hope in the One He sent to overcome death.
There are no machines churning away in God’s waiting room.
There is only Jesus, but that’s all we need as we wait.
I talked to my friend and she told me about the differences in the way her parents died.
My mom died so fast…I carried her pain.
Dad died so slowly…he carried his own pain.
I am really OK.
She is OK.
She entered God’s waiting room with Jesus ever present beside her.
She left God’s waiting room with Jesus STILL beside her.
There will be other waiting rooms; there always is.
It makes the world of difference whether you enter the waiting room alone or with Jesus.
God’s waiting room is always with Jesus.
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The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23)
Beautiful.
Thank you, friend.
Timely sharing Gina. My mother entered heaven 9 years ago today and we were able to have time in the waiting room much like your friend… those moments though hard are precious.. Thanks so much, your writings are so encouraging..
Janet,
Only God knows impeccable timing such as this!
God is never late with His timing…and He is always there with us as we wait! Thank you for your encouraging words.
Gina
Gina,
This post is an honor to read….I will miss him! Thank you!
Sharon,
It is a privilege to honor him…and YOU, as his daughter…this way. You are loved and prayed for…
Gina
So touching Gina!! Beautiful
Thank you, Jen.
My heart breaks for her today!
Hold her close in prayer…
Gina