For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Today I received a package. Not an unusual thing for most people this time of year but this was for me. It was sent by my aunt. She is the last in that generation. She was married to my mother’s brother. Recently she moved to assisted living and was selling the house she had lived in for I believe over 40 years. The package was a surprise as she has not sent me a package for many, many years, just the occasional card. This was different. And this package hit me.
The package was filled with pictures, old pictures. Pictures from my mother’s family when they were all children. Pictures of my family and the family I had when I grew up. Cards and letters sent so long ago. It was filled with memories. Precious memories.
Memories of times past and people who are no longer with us. I fought back tears as I told my husband who the pictures were of. So choked up as I was flooded with memories. I have thought about this package and the contents all day. I believe she wanted these memories to stay within the family. It’s hard being hit with a flood of memories of all those we have lost over the last two years. It’s hard anytime but this time of year makes it all the more difficult. But it is something I will cherish and share with my cousins.
Times like this are hard. This time of year, many feel sad. There are so many reasons people feel sad this time of year. Missing those who are not here, missing times that have long passed. But as difficult as it was, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Even though I was brought to tears, I found comfort in the memories. I felt like God was telling me to hold onto the memories and move forward.
When times are difficult, hold on to Him. When we are sad, find comfort in the memories that bring joy. God surrounds us at even our darkest times with His love. Hold onto the love we feel for those we have lost. Hold onto the love of those still present. Hold onto Him who will see us through and reunite us again when Jesus returns. Hallelujah for a joyous reunion!