It's been too many days, Lord.  I've just slid by these last few weeks with "How are we doing, Lord?"  And, "Help us, today!" and "Keep us safe, Jesus".   I am certainly thankful You love me.....even when I tend to be so lazy in my communication with You.  You are the only source of strength to me.  I've always known it......and, I've always depended on that.  Lord, I will do my best to never take your love and mercy for granted.  Sometimes when we become so comfortable with our relationships, we often tend to let our nurturing skills "take a break".  It's okay, I guess.  Every one does it at one time or another.....I just would like to be "a little above average" when it comes to this part of my life.  Real friendships just are so special when we find ourselves "picking up where we left off" with friends we have not seen or talked to in ages.  I wonder, Lord......would we be better off if we tried a little harder to reach out and touch each other.....oftener.  Sometimes the miles......the time left in a day......and the business of keeping up with the schedules we've packed to overflowing.....just seems to make the importance of keeping in touch so difficult.  I am guilty.  We all are, I guess.  One thing I am anxious to work on from this day forward.....is to NEVER take the precious gift of Your love and forgiveness and mercy to me, a "given".  It's always good to see family and loved ones.  To share our stories and listen to the old ones and laugh like we have never heard them before. It's a blessing and an honor that you entrust to us.  I need to make that a priority, Lord.  I'm not sure how. I'm  used to going from one project to another......and another.  I like the part where I can lay on the couch between the projects!!  I guess that will never change.

Bottom line, Lord.....I have to make this a project, I guess.  Keeping in touch, more than usual.  Making an effort to nurture long time relationships.  The most important thing though, is the nurturing of my relationship with You.  Praying without ceasing.  Keeping a prayer on my lips and a song of thanksgiving to You and all that You mean to me because  I am blessed beyond all I have ever asked or dreamed.  Have You allowed the path to eternal life, litter free?  There is  only one and I will take what comes with it.  I have to say, Lord.......I may complain and I may be tempted to be annoyed at times......but, I will praise You through it all.  If I never had a problem, I'd never know that You could solve it......or carry me through it.  All I ask and pray for....I ask in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

Very rarely, Lord.....do we understand what You are doing.  So often......we just find that we're never quite ready when You do make a decision.  Apparently that quandary is part of the human condition.  Some find the 'wait' to see You....to be interminable.  And, then......there is Barbara.  Lord......we're sorry.  We're still a little stunned.   Even though her health has been so precarious....her desire to "go home" just seemed to be uppermost in her mind....so we prayed too.....that You would grant the desire of her heart.  She and Clarence had worked so hard for their retirement home.  It was a beautiful place to be.

Now, Lord.....You do understand us, don't You? You do care about how we feel....don't You?   When one loses such a huge part of their  life....the blow is devastating.  And then, to lose the capacity to do even the simplest of things for yourself.....it just is about all the discouragement a body can take. Of course, You know that already.  You're there watching and waiting.

The earthly part of Barbara's life has ended.  Was it all that we hope it was?  Were the Angel's singing her song? Was she met with a great cloud of witnesses?  She has had the greatest of friends here.  Some are with her right now.....rejoicing and celebrating!  The rest are here......mourning her.  She has been such a faithful friend to all who knew her and claimed her as such.

As You entered the room where she laid, for the last time.....we can almost see her giving You a weak smile......and a sigh of relief, as she breathed her last words to You......"I knew You'd come, Lord".   We thank You for going to her Yourself....... to lift her up and take her to the "Heavenly Home" You've prepared.   
She was just too weak to walk in the gate by herself.

How we love thinking about the gracious Savior that You are to us, Your children.  And that You love us  even when we don't understand and have to suffer for a time.  We know it will not last.  
Help us, Jesus.  Help us to remember that one day....."It Will Be Worth It All"......when we see You one day.  Make us a blessing for You until we too, will see Your face.  Thank You for allowing us the privilege to know Barbara.  

In the name of Jesus, we pray.....and wait.  Amen.