Tuesday, January 27, 2009

What's in a "Life Verse?"

It's been almost a week since our friend left his earthly home and took up his permanent residence in heaven! In this transition time from life to death it seems we all find out many things about the person who has left us. My last week consisted of finding out which was his favorite sweater~what were his favorite songs~what niece admired him the most~what his rank was in the military~how he'd drop anything to be on the floor with his grandkids~and his "life verse."

All these things I heard or saw except for the "life verse." After Paul went to heaven it was heavy on my heart to get a picture of some sort as a memorial. As I walked through the flower shop 2 days after he left us I was overcome with hundreds of pictures all displaying many scriptures. I so badly at that time wanted to know Paul's favorite verse so I could pick the perfect one! Oh, if I only knew his "life verse." As I kept looking I had to give into the fact that I didn't know it and that any picture would be just fine! I continued my journey throughout the store and finally came upon the one~the one that had "pick me" all over it. I knew right away this was it~brought it to the clerk and man did I feel good! The verse on it was John 14:1-6 and it was so beautiful!

That evening I had the opportunity to hang with  Paul's daughter-in-law who is also my best friend. For whatever reason I had followed Jennifer to her bedroom and while in there we started talking about Paul and his funeral. As Jennifer began to share some of her memories with Paul she also shared how cool it was to be able to read scripture to Paul that last week while he was in hospice. As curiosity gets the cat I just had to ask if she knew if Paul had any favorite verses or a "life verse." She smiled and answered with a "Yes, he does, it's John 14:1-6!"

So~what's in a "life verse?" Well, after picking myself up off the bed, I discovered what's in a "life verse." It's God-breathed words that speak to you and me! I have always been interested in knowing other's "life verses" however, in this situation, I'm glad I found out later~it was worth the wait!!!!! Today I know that this wasn't a coincidence but that it was one of God's whispers once again!! I thank you God for your whispers and I thank you God for Paul!

Paul's "life verse" is this,"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place I am going. Thomas said to him,"Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?" Jesus answered,"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. AMEN!