Thursday, June 28, 2007

Reading in Snatches

I glean.

Baby splashes in the tub, and every few seconds calls out for help in retrieving a wayward duckie. Finger holding my place, I reach over and push the prodigal toy closer to her dimpled hands, then return to the paragraph I have read three times over.

But God is good, and the nuggets of truth that I glean from my books still penetrate. A glimpse for you, my dear reader, of reading in snatches; gleaned truth, and damp paper corners from the bubbles on my fingers.

Georgie looked up, his gaze clouded in thought. "So Mr. Edmund is a spirit now? Like a ghost?"

"Not a ghost, George. But yes, he's spirit, and he's in heaven with Jesus. If you were in heaven, you'd see him plain as day. You'd recognize him in a minute. Because you'd be spirit, too."

Georgie hugged himself. "I don't want to die like Mr. Edmund. And I don't want my mom or dad to die or Mr. Caleb or Miss Annie or Miss Birdie or Miss Bea-"

"Georgie." Zuriel dropped his hand on the boy's shoulder. "You don't have to fear death, and you certainly shouldn't worry about it. All things die." He hesitated when Georgie flinched. "It's like this," he said, leaning closer. "Look at your body-your hands, your fingernails, your hair. Every little part of you is alive as long as it's attached to the living part of you, your soul. But if you trim your fingernails or get a haircut, pieces of you fall off and get thrown away. Are you sad about losing those pieces?"

Georgie shook his head. "No, 'cause the barber gives me a candy bar if I sit still for the haircut."

"Well"-Zuriel spread his hands and lifted a brow-"it's the same thing. The things that die aren't important because the part that's alive keeps going on. When Christians die, their spirits go straight to heaven, and their worn-out bodies get...put away."

He paused, lifting his gaze to the steeple on the church across the street. "I'm always a little amazed when people cry at funerals. There's really no reason for them to be sad. Their loved ones aren't gone; they've only relocated. And the reunion will come soon enough."

"I know why they cry." Georgie spoke softly, and when Zuriel looked down, the boy was staring at his mother's frozen flower bed, still dusted with this morning's snow. "They cry because they miss the person. And heaven is very far away."

Zuriel sat silently, absorbing the human perspective revealed in the boy's words. Truth to tell, he had forgotten how limited human understanding could be. They didn't have the luxury of zipping to heaven in the twinkling of an eye, and they didn't have the ability to see beyond the physical dimensions of earth. Though the Lord had given them clear insights, instructions, and assurances in the written Word, not all of them believed it, or bothered to read it.

"I suppose you're right, George," he whispered, feeling the chill for the first time since stepping outside. "But man was not created for this world. God created humans for heaven, for eternity, and all their longings will be fulfilled when they finally reach their home. Heaven is all you could ever imagine...and more."
-The angel, Zuriel, and a conversation with his charge, Georgie, from Grace in Autumn

10 fellow travelers shared:

Inspiration Station said...

So wonderful when we can find a free moment to read a book for ourselves. Looks good Elise!

Grafted Branch said...

I've an award for you. Come see. :)

Anonymous said...

That sounds like a wonderful book to read. I like the part where it says our loved ones have relocated.

Cosette said...

That is a very powerful passage you chose to share! Very simply put, but powerful. Joel's grandfather just recently passed away, and we found ourselves sharing some of these same truths with Cosette. "Grandpa is in heaven with Jesus. We'll see him again someday! He is soo happy to be there now!" I felt like she accepted these explanations better than I did myself! So, this passage really hit home for me...

TaunaLen said...

I loved this! I had to click over and order the first two books in this series. Thank you for the preview!

~TaunaLen

sethswifeforlife said...

I just came upon your blog through grafted branch. Congrats on the "reflection award." I have briefly glanced your posts and been encouraged. I am always appreciate of those who have a heart for the Lord and are able to articulate it and communicate it in writing. (not my gift). God is good to bring along like-minded women following after Him.
I also wanted to say THANK YOU for the wonderful songs you have playing on your site. some of my favorites as well.
God bless,
Abby
@ sethswifeforlife.blogspot.com
and www.xanga.com/aprescott

Audrey said...

I too will have to order these books. I just love a good story!

P.S. It takes a lot of brownie fudge sundais to have a rear view like that ;-) ROTFL!

Thank you soo much for your prayers and kind words. I always know that I will be uplifted when I visit your thoughts here.

Maxine said...

This is my kind of book. I'm thankful you shared it--it sounds wonderful. How are thoughts need to be constantly pulled in this direction. Have a blessed weekend, young sister-friend.

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

~tears~
Yes.
Much gleaned here.

As Darryl sits tonight holding his mother's hand, singing hymns to her...and we imagine heaven.

Oh, so much more than we can imagine.

I send love, friend.
Ann

Beverly said...

Very powerful, Elise. I am so glad you are stealing some moments to glean - and then are kind enough to share with us!! I thoroughly enjoyed this passage.

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