Held In His Hand

In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.

My Grandma Jo died in her mid-eighties after living a full life. She spent the last few years in a nursing home in our town to be close to family. My dad would visit her weekly, making sure she lacked for nothing.

As she neared the end of her life, she would tell us how she longed to go home to heaven. She was so ready. She’d said her goodbyes and blessed her children and had no fear of leaving this earthly home.

My sister Katrina passed away not long before Grandma Jo did, and I noticed that my grandmother didn’t shed a tear at that time, so confident she’d see Katrina again soon enough. There was a peace about her, almost a knowing of what would come next. Death wasn’t scary or uncertain. She trusted in who Jesus is, fully believing that she would be with him and those loved ones already gone.

When she passed, it was a sad time but also very much a celebration. We knew this homegoing was what she’d wanted. We knew that she was healthy and whole once again, reunited with those she loved, and for that, we were grateful.

Not all deaths are expected or as comforting as my grandma’s. Sometimes there’s trauma involved, leaving deep pain for those who remain. Sometimes we lose loved ones far too soon.

How do we deal with loss and grief, whether expected or not? We remember who God is. We remember that the life of every creature and the breath of all people is in his hand. Nothing is beyond his control.

Even when life-and-death circumstances come unexpectedly, they are not a surprise to God. He is still in control. Still loving us. Still holding us in his hand. No death occurs without his knowledge. No breath is lost without his notice. And no tear is shed that he doesn’t come to comfort.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Thank God for the ways that he’s comforted you in your grief.