Last Breaths

As I sit here in the middle of the night, watching my mother take her last breaths, I'm struck by how much life wants to hang on. A breath, then silence...wait! I'm not done yet! Another breath... Silence... Rest... And then again. 4 or 5 times a minute now. Songs about Jesus playing on the radio in the background along with subdued snores from my father in the bed next to us. My wife is resting her head on the side of the bed next to her. My sister on the other side is holding her hand.

Selah...
The feeling of being on a level closer to Jesus. Just waiting for Him to take my mother by the hand, tell her she's forgiven, and take her to eternal bliss. Imagining being able to see that with my own eyes. Wouldn't that be wonderful!

Selah...
One of these breaths will be the last, and then we can all trust that she is at peace. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, And to those who are upright in their hearts. God doesn't break His promises. This we know.

Selah...
It will then be time to take care of each other. With the help of that very same Jesus, we will do that. I told her so myself at the beginning of this long day, hoping it would bring her some peace.
Some day, we too will be taking our last breaths, waiting for Jesus to take our hand. It doesn't feel as far away as it once did. Life really is short. We must use our time wisely. We must love each other like that's all there is, because it really is. God loves us. How can we not do likewise?

Selah...
Another breath, and then silence. Come Lord Jesus, come! Take care of her for us until we see her once again.