April 3, 2010
Tomorrow we celebrate the reality that Jesus rose from the dead. He has victory over death. This singular event is the foundation of our faith…our hope for both today and tomorrow.
As Easter approaches many things come to mind as I think through the past few months. Tomorrow will make it five months since Bonnie had crossed over to the other side of eternity. To think we’ve made it five months without her presence seems like an impossible journey. But step by step, day by day we made it. I’d be lost without the love and support from so many of you. Again what a reminder that God calls us into relationships. I realize how important it is to have some authentic friendships, to be in community with others, prior to the crap of life hitting the fan (Bonnie’s not here to edit :)).
No doubt there are some days over the past few months that call for a deeper reflection, some events that bring to the surface feelings of sadness and still feelings of disbelief of the last year. Many circumstances that cause me to think, What Would Bonnie Do? I guess I should have thought about that one before I pierced my nose (OK that’s a joke).
Bonnie loved the spring. When she would take her walks she would often comment about the new leaves returning to the tress (they are already there). The Iris we brought from Michigan began to bloom yesterday. It’s only the second year this happened. Irises were Bonnie’s favorite flower. My love for gardening, really came to bloom (excuse the pun) when we bought our first home 16 years ago. While I enjoyed created new gardens, Bonnie appreciated very much the beauty and serenity they added to our homes. Its taking some time to get used to not coming into the house and asking Bonnie to come out to see what she thinks of my newest creation or color selection of this years annuals.
While spring is a great way to remember that God brings life out of death its also, in a strange way, a reminder that death is painful part of life. I’ve confident I’ll see Bonnie again, but reflecting on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus reminds me that I’m here for a purpose. While Jesus was God and would return to heaven, he was here for a purpose – he had a vision! While at times lately, my vision may be a little blurry from tears, I remain convinced and confident that God had Bonnie, and has McKenzie and me here on earth to make not just the world a better place, but to make a difference for eternity in the lives of many people….
Anyway, allow me to close with two songs…click on either of them as you so desire. Tomorrow McKenzie and I sing in the choir (so I’ve got to get in bed) the last song in our celebration service is called I will Rise. It was sang at both of the memorial services for Bonnie. The other song, All the Way my Saviour Leads Me is one I’ve been listening to for several weeks and really sums up my heart at this point in the journey of grief.
May you experience the hope we all have because Jesus rose from the dead.
Celebrating in the hope we have in Jesus, and as always giving thanks for you,
Juno
PS. I shared a message a couple of weeks ago…It’s talks about healing and how God has worked in our family through the adoption of McKenzie and through the life and death of Bonnie. Click here if you want to watch or listen to it.