For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Anniversaries commemorate many different events and help add meaning to life. They can be for shared national and historic experiences, cultural milestones, and accomplishments, as well as personal and family events. Some anniversaries go by quietly with little done by individuals; others are celebrated with public events by either a small group, a local celebration, or a national event.
Today was a quiet anniversary for our family. It was a year ago today that we lost my husband’s mother. I’ve thought about her a lot during this day. This kind of anniversary is significant as it ends the year of firsts. After the loss of a loved one, we go through a year of firsts. First birthday without them, first Thanksgiving, first Christmas, first New Year, first everything where they are no longer present to share in the celebration.
Anniversaries are important for so many reasons but this one is one where we can look back and say we made it. The grieving process isn’t necessarily over but the firsts are. We will still miss our loved one. We will still think about them often. We will spend time going over pictures and memories. We will hold them in our hearts.
It's important to remember through it all God is with us. For each of the firsts, He is there. He reminds us that while they are no longer with us on this earth, it is not the end. One day soon, Jesus will return. On that day, we will see all our loved ones again. Jesus will welcome all of us into His kingdom. This world and all that it holds will fade away and be replaced with God’s Heavenly kingdom, full of nothing but peace and love. What a glorious day that will be!
There is so much more waiting for us beyond this life. Remember, this world is temporary, His promise is for a loving, peaceful eternity for all with Him.