That’s how long ago my mother entered into the kingdom of Heaven. This anniversary date is always a bittersweet time for me. I think about her every day so, in that sense, today is no different than any other day. But I’m flooded with memories of the day we lost her, which was one of the most painful days of my life. But, thankfully, it also makes me pause and reflect on all the wonderful memories of our time together.
She was filled with such love and compassion for everyone and had such a hunger and thirst for God. She dealt with a lot of hurt and pain in her life, which is why she relied so heavily on her faith and trust in him. Her zealousness and unrelenting pursuit of him added to her natural beauty. It never ceased to amaze and impress me at how much time she spent in her daily devotions and prayer. If she couldn’t sleep, which was way too often, she would get up and open her Bible and read it.
We have a huge collection of Bibles that are highlighted, underlined, and filled with notes from cover to cover, where she emphasized things that God had spoken to her through his Word. She wrote in prayers for her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She always interceded for her family and it was her heart’s desire that every single member of her family be saved and walk with Jesus. She would be heart broken if she knew anyone was not and she stayed in prayer until they were.
I could go on and on about my mother’s heart, but if you knew her, you could add to this. People tell me all the time about how much they, too, loved her and I never tire of hearing that. I love her and miss her so much. I’m comforted with the knowledge of where she is and who she is spending her eternity with. Nine years is nothing but a blink of an eye. One day, in the blink of an eye, our Lord and Savior will return to call us home. My mother would pray that we all would be ready. I am! Are you?
Proverbs 31:30-31 (TPT) - “Charm can be misleading, and beauty is vain and so quickly fades, but this virtuous woman lives in the wonder, awe, and fear of the Lord. She will be praised throughout eternity. So go ahead and give her the credit that is due, for she has become a radiant woman, and all her loving works of righteousness deserve to be admired at the gateways of every city!”