Bittersweet Monday Musings

Today I join with the Rufibach and Schink family in grieving at the loss of one of my first cousins, Marian Rufibach.  When I was a very young and little girl, Marian--then a vivacious and energetic teenager was someone I looked up to.  I remember my Aunt Esther coming to visit.  Marian would be with her and would spend time entertaining me. 

I did not know how much these times meant to her.  I knew they were very fond and happy memories for me.  (You never forget people who are good to you when you're in your formative years).  :)  But, just recently when my younger sister, June O'Dell stopped and visited with Marian--on their way home to Oregon--Marian reminisced and spoke of those memories.  She was in the hospital and had just received her cancer diagnosis.  She had also just finished reading my book, Generations.  Her positive comments to June, later relayed to me, I will hold in my heart.

My thoughts are bittersweet today as I think of the loss of this family member--a kind and loving wife to Earl, mother to her children, and grandmother to her grandchildren, as well as loving her extended family and friends.  I say bittersweet, because our loss is her gain.  She's changed her address from Arizona to Heaven's Golden Avenue.  Our grief is not having her to visit with or hold in our arms.  Our joy is the assurance that we will see her again some day.  Her joy is that she has run her race, finished her course and is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, my musings today are about my dear cousin, Marian.  Gone from us to a much higher plain where the troubles, sorrows, and pain of this life have no effect.  I love the Scripture in Hebrews 12:1

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us."

In my mind's eye I see a picture of Heaven's grandstand with a vast number of our friends and loved ones as well as the prophets and saints of ages past--cheering us on as witnesses to the race we are running.  They know the finish line is well worth the effort and they would tell us, keep running, carry on, don't give up--if you fall, pick yourself up and get back in the race. 

Take heart then, the Finish Line is almost in sight.  The promises of God are true and real.  Keep your eyes on the prize and run with patience, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith".