When we arrived at their home, Don met us and showed us to their bedroom, where Edna was resting. She was on oxygen, and the cancer had dimmed her vision. She was gaunt and weak, but alert, and she welcomed us warmly. Sherry asked her if she would like a back rub, and Edna said that she would love it. So, with a little effort, she rolled over on her side and Sherry rubbed her back for several minutes while we talked. We shared a little small talk, but only a little, because the moment begged for talk of love and grace. It wasn't a time to talk about the weather, or even the good times that we had enjoyed together. I mentioned the trip that Edna and Don had taken to Germany, and Don mentioned the time the four of us attended a Righteous Brother's concert, but the moment was too sacred for such things.
Sherry told Edna how much she loved her and noted that when she gets to heaven herself, she hopes that Edna will be one of the first to meet her. Edna said that she would be there to greet Sherry when her time came. Sherry told Edna how much she meant to us, and I asked Edna if she was afraid to die. Without hesitating, she said "no." She said that, while she didn't like the dying process, she would willingly endure it because "the reward will be so great." "Jesus is reaching out to me," she said, "and I can't wait to meet him face to face."
"Oh Edna," I replied, "I know it's true. Jesus is reaching out to you. I see him smiling, almost eager now, to embrace you and to show you around his mansion." "Edna," I went on, "You say that you've been blessed... and I agree. You have been blessed in many ways, but what is also true- every bit as true- is this: you have been a blessing! You have blessed me in powerful ways. You have blessed Sherry and Don (of course), but that's just the tip of the iceberg. You've blessed countless numbers of young people through your teaching and your tutoring, and you've blessed at least two grateful congregations here in Peoria. You have spent your life investing in God's people, Edna, and you have served our Lord in all that you've done. Yes, you have witnessed to His love and His grace. You have been a practicing Christian, and that's a much rarer thing that you might imagine. Over the years, I've tried to get you to "see the light," but you have steadfastly clung to your Missouri Synod roots. You are a proud German Lutheran, Edna, and you've never once lost sight of who or whose you are! You have a strong, unquestioning, and contagious faith in Christ, and you've given a thousand great sermons... in the way you live and love. You've been a real partner to Don, Edna. You were created for this partnership. You are exactly what Don Baker needed to be complete. Don needed just the right person to march with him, and you walked with him- every step of the way, and always with grace. Edna,you've left a huge imprint on the stage we've been blessed to share with you, and whenever you showed up, things were a little brighter. You have an engaging smile; you have a great mind; you have a heart for our Lord... and for those of us who need a helping hand; you have vibrant and courageous spirit; and you have a genuine love for humanity. You have 'star power,' and you, Edna Baker, are a spiritual hero of mine. Sherry and I both love you, Edna, you and Don both, and we want you to know that... here on this sacred day. Thanks for allowing us to be with you."
We held hands- the four of us- and we shared a heartfelt prayer, thanking God for blessing us with a servant like Edna Baker, and asking him to watch over his servant, Don Baker in the days, months, and years ahead. I'm glad that we had a chance to pray together. I'm glad that we had the chance to hug her and to also hug Don. Our Lord knows that these are two people who have made it their business to make the world a better place. Finally, as Edna tired, her attendant was called back into the room. Sherry and Don left, but I lingered ... and I bent down and kiss her hand. "Edna," I concluded, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Our world is a better place for you being here, and you will live on. You will live in His mansion, that's for sure, and you will live in our hearts as well. As long as faith matters and good people are remembered, you will live on. Goodbye. We will see one another again." Then, to my surprise, Edna rolled over to face me and she lifted her self up. She looked directly at me. "Thank you so very much for taking so much time- you and Sherry- just for me."
I could see her eyes wide open. I could see the depth of her expression, and I could've touched her face. Between you and me, I've seen Edna when she was prettier... but never when she was more beautiful! Edna died as she had lived- with Christ Jesus on her mind! I'm really impressed with her steadfast faith, but I shouldn't be surprised. After all, she is an angel.
No comments:
Post a Comment