Life and death. A contrast we hear so much and contemplate even more…especially when tragedy hits that plasters images of both so sensationally. I think of pictures of people from Japan, Thailand, New Orleans, and even closer to home, a family member or friend that you won’t soon forget. One of the sweetest, strongest, and spunkiest ladies from Clifton closed her blind eyes for the last time this past weekend. Mittie was loved by all who knew her and her laughter that easily escaped with her head thrown back will not soon be forgotten. She came to every church event she could and held and loved on every new baby born in that prolific seminary church. She was quick with her wit and I never heard her murmur one negative thing. She loved Barrett and would joke with him whenever their paths crossed. She came to my wedding shower before she ever even met me. She experienced so much change in that church and her faith grew immensely in the years she sat in those pews. I was saddened to hear the news.
Then sweet Ally reminded me through an email that Mittie now sees her beloved Savior Jesus with her perfect eyes. Oh amazing thought. What unexplainable joy! The darkness of this world is replaced with the glory of the Son of God! The promise of Paul in Philippians of God completing His work in Mittie has come to pass. She is a new creation! I am reminded again that we do not choose God, He chooses us…He has made our blind eyes see…He has given life to our dead hearts. What sweet knowledge to know that this world is not the end…that those who see because of Christ are headed to a heavenly kingdom where they will SEE Christ! Makes me want to jump for rapture practice! =0)
As Annabelle moves around like an angry wasp ready to flee the nest, I am reminded of the sweetness of our first birth with our first parents and the first people who loved us. But with Mittie, I remember my second birth of when the Lord opened my eyes to the knowledge of my own death deserving sin and the grace and mercy of my true and perfect Father who sent His son to pay my debt so like Mittie, I will have eternal life with Him…seeing Him face to face with my head thrown back and laughing at the beginning of real life. Welcome home Mittie!