Sleep in Heavenly Peace

As a child my family and I attended a small Bible-teaching church. It was a friendly place of worship where strangers were treated as special guests.

Ours was not a fancy church but it was adorned with beautiful stained-glassed windows. It stood proudly on the corner beckoning any and all to come in its doors for spiritual encouragement and uplifting. Inside the sanctuary were pews made from heavy wood.

For several years we sang a capella because no one played the piano. The choir of which I was a part of made a joyful noise in praise to the Lord. My father sat in the front row on one side of the aisle. He would nod his head in contentment as if enjoying the melodic sounds. As an elder, he was highly respected.

Across the aisle and 2 rows back sat my mother and 3 of her most precious and life-long friends. They were considered to be the "mothers of the church". Many words of wisdom were uttered from their lips. Momma could hold her own while singing tenor. 2 of her 3 friends belted out those old time hymns in their rich soprano voices. Her other friend, while not as gifted in the singing department, sang up and down the scale with joy brimming from her face.

Sadly their circle of friendship was broken when the first friend passed away. Many years later my mother died and last year the oldest of the quartet died at 100 years of age. Only one remained alive from the group.

Two weeks ago we received word that Sister Nez had passed away, just 2 days shy of her 96^th birthday. She was more than ready to go to see the Lord and of course her pew mates and other friends. Hers was a quick and quiet death that happened while she sat sleep-like in her rocking chair.

My brother said it best when he lovingly stated, "The old girls are back together again". I could not help but to remember a song that we used to sing called, "It Will Be a Great Day When We All Gather Home". I have no doubt that they are living it up. What a reunion they are experiencing.

I have to admit, it sort of makes me homesick for heaven, too. But until such time, I'll always reflect back and ponder the many lessons that I learned from these women. They each have helped me in becoming the woman I am today.

Never forget those who have made a significant contribution to your life. You would probably agree they made a positive difference too.

SOURCE:

Personal experience