I love to sing and listen to the radio, plus I also love God. Mixing all of these passions is fun, so I created this blog to share and remember some random thoughts and ideas. For example, sometimes I can hear God speak to me through someone else's work and I want to share that with you; other times I might find inspiration or answers in someone else's work of art. ENJOY :D
I missed all of my classes the first week of school (because I decided to stay in Chicago for my uncle's death/wake/funeral) except for my Thursday 9:30 AM class (today). I almost skipped because I had gotten back to town late last night, had not bought any of my books, and had no way to prepare for class. For some reason, I kept feeling a nudge to attend class. I am soooo glad I listened to that "nudge" from the Holy Spirit because we watched the ending of Tuesdays with Morrie. For those that have not seen it, this movie is about an dying elderly ex-professor teaching the important facts of life to one of his ex-students. I had seen it before in another class, but that did not stop the tears from flowing this time. I kept seeing flashbacks of my uncle and grandfather dying, especially since my uncle's funeral was yesterday. After class, I stayed to talk to my professor about missing class and the tears began to flow again. Thank goodness some sweet stranger gave me a tissue as she waited for her turn to talk with the professor or I don't think I could have finished that conversation. I consider my first day of class a success because I showed up and let God remind me of a few things about death. This movie has so many profound quotes and life lessons but the one that stuck out the most to me is "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." My uncle died with his wife, children, extended family members and close friends around his bed praying with him and for him as he left this earth. He had people reminiscing of the old times, laughing, joking, crying and touching each other, and saying thank you to him for living the way he did. Even though he did not want to die and leave his family behind, he knew how to die and where he was heading after death; therefore, he knew how to live.
This past week(end) has been one of the hardest moments of my life. To briefly state why, I watched my uncle literally fade away from this earth. Even though he has been fighting cancer for 5 years, he went into the hospital thinking a couple of bags of fluid would fix the problem.
Three days later, Jesus took him HOME, where there is no pain, sickness, suffering, or sorrow.
Throughout those three days, family members, close friends, business partners and workers, and old friends came to say goodbye and thank you. One minute we would all be laughing as stories were told; the next minute everyone was crying because of some sweet thing said. Talk about a roller coaster of emotions! All of those emotions were raw, the real deal; and, all of those emotions were fighting for my time and attention. My emotions continued to tumble, fight, and roll up and down through the wake/funeral. Looking back, I am so thankful that I witnessed his last days here on earth.
"Chasing Cars" by Snow Patrol pretty much sums up how my soul is feeling right now. Jesus, can you meet me where I am? Can you lay here with me because all I can think about is soaking in your presence.
For those that have not seen it, this movie is about an dying elderly ex-professor teaching the important facts of life to one of his ex-students. I had seen it before in another class, but that did not stop the tears from flowing this time. I kept seeing flashbacks of my uncle and grandfather dying, especially since my uncle's funeral was yesterday. After class, I stayed to talk to my professor about missing class and the tears began to flow again. Thank goodness some sweet stranger gave me a tissue as she waited for her turn to talk with the professor or I don't think I could have finished that conversation. I consider my first day of class a success because I showed up and let God remind me of a few things about death.
This movie has so many profound quotes and life lessons but the one that stuck out the most to me is "Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live." My uncle died with his wife, children, extended family members and close friends around his bed praying with him and for him as he left this earth. He had people reminiscing of the old times, laughing, joking, crying and touching each other, and saying thank you to him for living the way he did. Even though he did not want to die and leave his family behind, he knew how to die and where he was heading after death; therefore, he knew how to live.
