Recently, as I was lamenting and sharing my complaints with God about how much I miss my daughter, I requested of him some input to help me deal better with the reality that she is gone, and will not be returning to me. I was quite pleased with how quickly God helped me with the following bit of encouragement, through a metaphor in relation to my former profession. I am a retired librarian, so the following ‘word picture’ spoke profoundly to me, I hope it translates as well to you.
I dreamt that night of sitting in a cafe having a conversation with Jesus over a ‘cup of Joe’ as I shared with him.
“I just can’t seem to get over this constant ache of wanting to see Rachel and be able to talk to her again, in person. I just want her to be here, for real and in person so badly, I just don’t know how to get past this, to accept it, or to move forward. I feel very stuck in my grief.”
In my dream, he responded,
‘Well, you know, all your children are really not completely yours, they are just ‘on loan to you’. They actually belong to God and not just to you. He made them just as He made you, so He is really their Father, and He has merely, given them to you only for a time, until he brings them back to Himself. Rachel has been brought home, earlier than perhaps you expected, but still, that is what has happened. “
“She’s safe, happy, and secure back in her heavenly father’s care. That is where she belongs right now, just as you belong here. I know it’s hard to be separated from her, and it’s hard to be patient and wait to be with her again. But, it won’t be forever, and maybe not as long as you think until you will be with her again.”
“I prepared a place for her in my kingdom, that she’s already enjoying, even while you wait a little while to join her. I promise, I’ll come for you too, when the time is right. Until then, there is plenty for you to do, to make sure treasures await you in heaven and not just here on earth. You can be sure of all I’ve promised. I will not fail you. I will come again. Try and enjoy everyone you do still have with you, and concentrate on adding more. This life isn’t all there is, as you well know, make sure to tell others they don’t want to be kept out of paradise.”
“For those who believe in me, there really is not death, sure the experience of an ending in this life, but a continuance of another elsewhere. The where is determined by whom you believe in. You believe in Me, I’m the Messiah, Jesus Christ, your Savior. If it wasn’t true, I wouldn’t have said so. There are many, many, who still don’t believe. Keep telling them, keep sharing me with all you meet, remain faithful because many will perish in unbelief. Don’t dwell on what you don’t have and who isn’t here, but dwell on what you will have, and where you all can be.”
“Heaven is a real place, and you do truly want to be there. Count on it! Prepare for it! Be ready! Help others to get ready! I will come again. I am coming! Make sure you’re ready for that day!
Remember, Everything is on ‘loan to you’ Everything! Make the most of It!”
I awoke filled with so much comfort and peace, that has remained with me this entire week. Like a gift, I didn’t expect to be lavished with. A joy that isn’t completely my own. My birthday is coming soon, and this feels like that, like a gift that keeps on giving. It is enabling me right now to feel my grief and loss and not drown in it. To not be overcome or overwhelmed, and for now, I am so grateful for the relief.
If everything truly is simply ‘on loan to us’…does that change how we live our lives?
How we spend our time?
How we treat others?
What is really important and what doesn’t matter so much?
Can I appreciate my husband, my sons, my grandson, my son-in-law, and my other family members more because of this reality?
They are really just on loan to me each day!
The thought does help me enjoy them more… to treasure the time better, to appreciate all the simple moments together… because, they could potentially, be the last moments here on earth for me or for them.
So, I want to cherish them, every moment, every day, each day, as each new one is given.
I hope you’ll cherish your loved ones the same, Susan