“…whereas you do not know about tomorrow. What is
your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”—James
4:14
“but Jesus said, Let the children come to me, and
do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”—
Matthew 19:14 RSV.
This December
post is one I am compelled to write. There are lighter or more fun messages on
my heart yet I must present this one. You see, I made a promise to five little
children I never met, yet love.
In my
Dec. 22, 2015 post, I dedicated it to my four grandbabies that never made it to
birth. Not too long after it became five babies to be remembered. Terry and I
have six grandchildren who live close by and we love each of them. As a
grandfather I am also mindful of the five in heaven. In my grief I promised
these children I would never forget them. They matter to me. This post is part
of my promise.
Just as in December
2015, my mind bounces from the joy of the birth of Jesus to the cries of
parents. They are the parents who grieve the absence of little ones they looked
forward to. Grandparents grieve as well for these babies.
In July 2017 I began a
Facebook group for grandparents grieving the death of a grandchild. I keep the
size of the group manageable by capping membership to seventy-five. The
grandchildren the group remembers were not all babies when they died. A vast
number of the group mourns in a deep way for their grandchildren. This is
especially so during the Christmas season. Each of them made a promise to never
forget these grandchildren. Grief is what bonds us together.
Even at Christmas time
there is suffering and loss. This time of year is not magical where only smiles
and laughter are enjoyed. There are poignant memories taking up residence in my
mind and heart. They are a continual prompt for the tone of my writing. I never
want these memories to fade. They are reminders of the frailty and vulnerability
of life. Life, indeed, is but a vapour, a mist!
When I
consider life I tend to become contemplative. To reflect on life and the fact
this life is not all there is invites me to look toward the life to come. To
meditate in a silent setting I try to grasp the beauty of the Christmas season.
Immanuel, God with us, staggers my mind yet also blesses my heart.
My grief
wrapped in the love of God, helps soften the sting of it. I do not grieve as
one without hope. My grief over the pregnancy losses of my grandchildren does
not take God by surprise. My grandchildren are among the citizens of heaven.
Every
Christmas season reminds me to cherish life. I am not promised tomorrow
therefore, I say glory to God for each day He grants me. I am aware as I become
older of how every breath I take is a gift.
Perhaps
this post only speaks to me. From my point of view my promise to my
grandchildren in heaven is a serious one. As I wrote in 2015,
… these children have not vanished
away. They live in my heart! They live also where Jesus is! ….
Children who are not granted physical birth do not cease to exist. They are not “miscarriages”! They are not really lost! This is a belief of hope found in the One who
came to earth and was born as a baby.
The One who loves children.
To all my
InScribe family, bless you, my friends. You are loved with an everlasting love.
Merry Christmas to you and your families.
https://scarredjoy.ca/
