The Day He Visited Us
You visited us today.
You walked in casually - a few minutes late. We all gathered together and sang "Resting Place" ... that one song you love.
I looked up from where my eyes had fallen and there you were- tears gently resting in your eyes as you gazed at each of us. Even though the song was slow, I could see the excitement of a little child in Maureen's posture as you looked at her and grinned. It was as though she wished to run, throw her arms around your neck and hug you at that very moment. Then your eyes met Lon's eyes. I could see that there is a deep intimate understanding the two of you shared. You've been friends for many years- journeying through the glory and trials in the journey of life. There was s serious calm in your gaze. Meredith caught your eye and you mouthed eleven priceless words - "Meredith, your spirit is with me. You are complete in me." Her expression softened as she sang "Here Oh Lord have we prepared a resting place". Then you slowly moved to stand between Roger and Linda. Roger rested his arm over your shoulders, tears slipping down his cheeks. He remembered the quiet moments when your love saturated his. He recalled the common bond the two of you share. He continually tells us of the unending love he has for you. Thankfully you never grow tired of hearing our stories of how you have taken us and transformed us into your likeness. Mrs. Linda wrapped her arm around your waist, leaned over, kissed your cheek and whispered "I love you". Just as we sang the phrase "where will my resting place be?" a loud clap of thunder shook the house. Your gaze met Janine's and you smiled at one another like you knew a secret that can only be shared between best friends.
As we continued to sing the simple lyrics "Heaven is my throne and Earth is my footstool"... I heard two voices, you and Wendy's voices, just a bit louder than the rest. Together... your voice with hers and her voice with yours. Though they were uniquely distinct - they were one. Your voices harmonized, flowing in and out together - one complimenting the other like a beautiful dance. When we finished singing, you quickly moved from between Roger and Linda to face Walt and Corina. You placed your hand on each of their shoulders, forming a small circle. You whispered sweet words of hope. We all gathered around you to speak these words of encouragement to this precious couple. I didn't hear everything you said to them, but I did hear you say "Rest in ME. In my time and through my means the wildest dreams, only the dreams that I have given you, will come into reality." Then you turned and whispered in Mrs. Bonnie's ear. As she giggled her eyes lit up with delight. She reached underneath her chair and handed her poetry book to you. You opened the book to the very first page, read the poem to us, then looked up and said: "All of you may not know this, but Bonnie and I have been writing poems together to share with you for quite a while." Then you turned the page to the very last, looked assuredly at Mrs. Bonnie, nudging her to read the poem that you wrote together the night before.
When she finished, you stood in the middle of the room and turned to look at each of us. As you looked into our eyes you said:
When she finished, you stood in the middle of the room and turned to look at each of us. As you looked into our eyes you said:
"You are the home that I am building for myself. It is not for you to strive. Rest in Me. You are completely free. Come to ME you who are weary. I am your rest. You have heard the cry of my heart - for my resting place. This is why I have drawn you - each and every one of you here together. I will build my home. Blessed are you because you are not offended on account of me. You each have searched for me- not your idea, your agenda, not your desire to mold things to your wish dream- and you have found me. I am with you. I am in you and I am working through you. I am revealing myself to you and you, my beloved bride, are my resting place."
