Bleeding Hearts

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Bleeding Hearts

 It is such a privilege to be a part of some of people's most intimate moments. It's not easy, but I'm thankful that we can be there when people need us most. It's a burden that we gladly bear, but it does wear on us at times.

 My heart is heavy today for our friend. We spent the afternoon with her at her husband's side as he lay dying in the hospital. It was terrible to watch him moaning in pain and yet, refusing pain medication. He was incoherent and would cry out every few moments saying, "I can't take any more." 

 His wife finally leaned over him and told him it was okay to let go. We prayed for him and prayed that the Lord would come and take him home. Tears ran down my face as my heart broke for his wife. 

 We took her out to an early dinner just to get some food in her stomach as she hadn't eaten all day. It also gave her a change of scenery and time to clear her head. We dropped her off at her home so she could let her dog out, and then she was headed back to the hospital. By the time she got there, the Lord had answered our prayer and he was gone. 

 Death is such a violent act as our spirit leaves this early vessel. And yet, once we are free of it, those who know the Lord enter into his presence. Our friend no longer knows pain or suffering or sheds tears. He is home where he belongs. But there is a hole for those left behind. 

 We will be meeting with his wife this afternoon to go over the funeral arrangements which will be at our church on Friday. More tears. More sorrow. I don't always know what to say, and the only thing I have is a listening ear, prayers and hugs. It seems to be enough for the moment. 

 I cannot wait for the day when there will be no more pain, no more suffering and no more bleeding hearts.
Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT) ~

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

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