Yea, though I walk through the valley
Of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil
For Thou art with me
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23 has taken on new—or perhaps old—and precious meaning for my family this past week and a half, as we have been walking with my grandma through the valley of the shadow, first in the hospital and now at home with hospice. We still very much don’t know what each day or hour will bring, but it does seem she is slowly slipping toward heaven.
As we’ve sat beside or around her so many hours this week, holding her hand and praying, reading Scripture, or singing the old hymns she loves, the meaning of Jesus’ cross and the hope of heaven it gives—the gospel itself—have sprung out to me in new vividness. I suppose the important things tend to rather sort themselves out when we come close to eternity. And so we don’t have to grieve as those who have no hope, and can even laugh and enjoy our extended family gathered together in this time, despite the heartache.
Still it is hard. And sometimes I doubt, and struggle. But the promise remains that His goodness and mercy will follow all of us—my grandma, and the rest of us here—all the days of our lives. Even these. And someday, because of Jesus, we will all dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I am sorry for this difficult time keirsti. Still, your words and faith and sweet spirit are so beautiful.
Thank you. 🙂
Ya’at’eeh shik’is,
My thoughts are with you and your family. I cannot imagine grieving without hope. Thank God your Grandmother has Jesus.
This evening, this moment, I am waiting to hear from friends in Belen,NM. He is most likely dying. They have no insurance, and can’t even afford the ER. That breaks my heart. But they too have Christ, and their only hope right now is healing.
I’m so glad you got The Call.
Yes, I’ll confess, I turned a bit green.
My books deal with the after effects of The Long Walk of the Navajo and span 184 to 1895, outside Flagstaff.
Bless you and your family.
Thank you, Jennifer. How lovely to find another writer writing about the Navajo! I’ve prayed for your friends in Belen–what a heartbreak. But yes, what would we do without Jesus?
Thanks so much for sharing.
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