Today my (Pam's) Aunt Helen would have celebrated her ninety-sixth year on earth. On Nov. 12th, she went to her eternal home to be with the Lord. Even when she was still able to live in her little in-law's quarters, when we would visit her, she would say, "You know, folks, I ask the Lord every night, "Lord, tonight would be a good night."" She was very ready to leave this temporal home and live eterally with God. At her 90th surprise birthday party, we asked her to share any wisdom she had acquired during her long life. Slowly rising from the table, looking very distinguished in her red suit, she proceeded to say, "Well, to many of you, 90 years seems like a long life; but in light of eternity, it is really nothing." How truly spoken! We imagine in our finite minds that 90 years is a long time, when in fact it is but a blip on the screen of life.
Aunt Helen's pastor gave a wonderful Biblical message, especially extolling my aunt's passion for prayer. He emotionally stated that even though he had only been her pastor for the last 2 1/2 years, he felt very connected to her. He shared that, out of all the people in the congregation, she was the only one who would not let go of his hand after he prayed for her, and would continue to pray for him. He will sorely miss her! At the end of the memorial service, her pastor held up a fork, explaining, "We all know Helen loved to bake. And what do we hear when we are sitting at a meal and the hostess begins to remove our plates? "Hold onto your forks, because the best is yet to come"". With that, he respectfully laid the fork on her casket.
Yes, Aunt Helen now knows that part of the best has already come to her. She expectantly awaits the rest when she hopes to see all of her family, friends and those whose lives she touched gathered around the Throne of Grace, exclaiming, "Worthy is the Lamb!" Till we meet again, sweet Aunt Helen! We love you!
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