Here it is just a few days before Thanksgiving.
It’s one of my favorite times of the year; getting together with family with lots of great food.
Though it’s a great time for my family, it’s not a great day for many others.
I noticed how full the obituary is in the local paper, which means that many families will be facing the loss of a loved one this Thanksgiving.
Even if that death had taken place earlier in the year, this will be the first Thanksgiving without them.
My heart goes out to those that are facing that this year.
Sometimes a happy occasion cannot overcome a sad heart.
I recall this story in the Bible; then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. John 11:32-33
There should have been no more joyful occasion than Jesus coming to your home but for Mary and Martha it could not undo the loss of their brother; it only enhanced it.
Both said the same thing to Jesus, “If You had been here, my brother would not have died.”
Mary’s weeping even troubled Jesus.
And neither sister understood the power He has over life and death.
It wasn’t too long before their sadness turned to joy as Jesus raised their brother, Lazarus, from the dead.
For those that know Jesus as Savior, the absence that death has caused is not forever.
Your separation is only for a little while and then there will be a great day of thanksgiving, such has never been seen, when the Lord reunites His people to Himself.
If you have lost someone this year, be thankful for what little time you had together.
Be thankful for being able to share your memories with others.
And give God thanks for the reunion that is ahead.