For What It's Worth by Erin

It’s been said that 2 of the greatest gifts God can give you is to be present at the moment of someone’s birth and at the moment of someone’s death.

I have had the joy of the births of my own children and my first grandchild, and the profound life altering joy is beyond words. As for death, I have had a myriad of what I would call ‘near death’ experiences that God has presented me with, and it is about them that I wish to speak.
 
I have witnessed the heroic and tender love of families that have made life altering changes to care for aging parents, for seriously ill children, to care for those facing the last days of a loved one’s life, and I am humbled by their willingness to take on whatever is needed by the less than perfect circumstances they find themselves in. What is perfect is the love and grace with which they take on their tasks, as they tirelessly face the inevitable with brave and deep faith, relying on God and what they hold true to get them through.
 
I hope you recognize yourselves in what I write. You inspire me with your strong and relentless gentleness as you accompany those you love to the other side. In all of it, Jesus was there, loving you through it all.  All of us will find ourselves here someday, living what you have lived, and it will be God’s grace that gets us through as well.

Given the gift of this witness, may it inspire us to reach out and take on whatever task, however small, to help.  May we also carry them with our prayer. +