Trinkets and Treasure

Today was Mom’s birthday. Born October 6, 1927 - she would have been eighty-eighty. When I’d remind her about her age she’d just shake her head and say “88 is too old” then we’d talk about how Sarah (Abraham’s wife) had a baby when she was ninety. Mom would shake her head and laugh. “Oh Lord I don’t want to have no babies – I’d forget where I put them.” She was fun. Her toughness and humor endured to the end.

Had she lived we probably would have bought her a few earthly trinkets; but what is that compared to heavenly treasure? She spent her life storing up treasure in heaven. She believed each soul was valuable and eternal, because of that this day in heaven is filled with riches. She has no doubt seen individuals from each side of an ocean who gave her a joyful welcomed because she invested in them.

Had she remained on this earth we might have bought her flowers, but heaven must be filled with varieties of flower like this earth has never seen. This house is filled with stunning arrangements that were sent in her memory. I am glad there were those who sent flowers instead of donations. The fragrance filled the air – just a hint, no doubt, of the fragrance of heaven.

Today the sky was blue. The sunshine warm and there was a perfect breeze. 

(Created for A Harvest of Joy book events - sung by Michelle Garcia)

Mom had a long full life but I’m sure she never gave her earthly birthday a second thought. She’s in a place where His presence is the light that shines eternal. The song she now sings is of perfect rejoicing, she is not pining for this place of pain, sin and suffering.  She’s reunited with her redeemer and many dear ones that she loved. In the midst of their reunions they must occasionally fall on their face and raise their hands in praise to the One who is the center of it all.

It would have been fun to commemorate her eighty-eighth year. She and I were both goal-oriented and it’s a nice round number. But it did not happen and I can only celebrate that she is in a place where there is so much more to celebrate. 

In the end I wanted to make sure she knew she was loved. She entered this world in an uncertain time and place. Her mother died by the time she was a toddler and her father soon after. Those early years were filled with uncertainty about where she belonged and who loved her. At the end of her life she had no doubt, she belonged to heavenly redeemer and a loving family.

October 6 will no doubt remind us of Mom for many years. But she’s now received the greatest reward of all. And eternity is filled with treasure rather than trinkets.