EXTRA: My Latest RNS Column
On my mother's going home for Christmas
Here are some reflections I shared in my latest column at Religion News Service on my mother’s last days:
Countless times I have meditated on Psalm 139 to contemplate the sanctity of each human life. Most obviously, the Psalmist paints a picture of life in its beginnings, when each of us was knit together in the womb, made in the secret place.
But this same Psalm speaks of the end of earthly life, too. “You discern my going out and my lying down” (verse 3). “If I make my bed in the depths, you are there” (verse 8). “All the days ordained for me were written in your book” (verse 16).
For a few short, eternal weeks, nestled inside that bed, gestation was reversed. The knots the Lord knit together long ago, in the secret place, were unloosed, a slow unweaving for the depths of the earth.
Read the entire essay here.
I pray you are finding peace, love, and joy in this season.
This is so good, Karen. When my mother was diagnosed with AML and it became clear that my sister would need help caring for her, I took a leave of absence and we both shared in mom's care so that, to the extent possible, she could stay home. But just as important was the desire we both had to be able to serve our mom and enjoy those last months with her, in gratitude to God for her life and love. As you were able to do the same with your mom, I'm sure you will come to see those very hard days as a precious gift, even as you grieve her absence. God heals our hearts.
Achingly beautiful, friend.