Parable:

Imagine with me back to World War Two. You are a Jew in a concentration camp near the end of the war. You are tired, sick, battered, and so close to death. Every day goes by and each one of you're friends that is more healthy than you encourage you to hang on. You know that all around you, any chance of hope has been executed long before those around you.

Imagine that you are homeless. You spend your days on the street waiting for some kind of food to keep you going until the next day. When you go to sleep, you have to find one of the city's steam vents to keep you warm. You've been on the street for years and every time you try to work your way out of this mess, you always end up back on the streets.

Now, imagine back to the first scenario that you wake up one morning to unfamiliar sounds. You wake up to people crying. You come to your senses and realize that the tears are tears of rejoicing! You hear the news that the war is over! Allied forces take control of the camp and begin to set free the prisoners. Imagine your elation.

Imagine in scenario #2 that you wake up in a warm bed! You are clean and dressed in new, warm, closes. All your shabby street closes are replaced with a full wardrobe. When you explore this new setting, you realize that you are in a mansion with servants. When you inquire of the servants, they welcome you home and inform you that this large home is your own. Imagine his elation!

Now imagine with me now an elderly woman in poor health. Over the years, she has had a series of strokes and random events of failed health. She has lived her life in service of God. Every day, her grand children and great grand children have prayed for her health. One day, the elderly woman died. When she next opens her eyes, she is standing before the throne of God and is in His presence for an eternity. She now feels no pain and is in the presence of the author of love and joy and everything that is good. Imagine her elation!

I know that in my last blog, I gave my statement to my family about the recent happenings. These scenarios help me to see the amazing amount of joy and comfort that I can take in the situation. I am doing well and praising God for where she is. She is truly in a better place.