It’s been one of those challenging weeks.

There has been a substantial amount of news concerning those I love who are gravely ill as well as the sudden passing of one of my special needs friends. It’s hard, brutally so. This is a part of life, these paths of both joy and sorrow. It’s always a mix; we can’t have one without the other because we live in a fallen and broken world.

These circumstances have reminded me of the importance of telling those we love how we feel about them.

Of saying words like, “I appreciate you, … I love you, … you are a treasure, … I’m so thankful for you.” If this idea makes you uncomfortable, take baby steps. Try to be open to expressing your love to others. It’s so important to give a blessing to others while they are here, while they can feel and appreciate your love for them.

You have likely attended funerals or Celebration of Life services where wonderful tributes were said about the one who passed away. Perhaps that person was never blessed with those accolades while they were living. Isn’t that somewhat sad? Think about it. It’s not the way it should be. There are beautiful blessings in the Scriptures. One that is more beautifully familiar can be spoken over anyone you wish to bless: “The LORD bless you and keep you, the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace” (Numbers 6: 24-26).

My sorrow also reminds me of the importance of reconciliation in relationships.

We should rely on God’s Holy Spirit to give us the humility, grace and strength to mend the broken places, even if we feel we have been wronged. It’s so vitally important. In my experience, having lost my sister while out of relationship with her makes the grieving that much harder. Although I tried my best to restore our relationship, I always assumed there would be more time, especially as I was the older sibling. However, sadly, time ran out. My brothers and I were not even aware that she was on the edge of death. When we were finally notified, it was too late. It still burdens my soul. After all, we were raised in a Christian home and were all professing Christ-followers, so how could this have happened?

The Apostle Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).

I drafted a poem after my sister’s passing. I hope it speaks to your heart and if by chance you are out of relationship with someone, remember, we’re never promised tomorrow, so take the risk and follow God’s command to … forgive and bless!

Sisters ~

Sisters in name, yet in name alone
We were so different, clear down to the bone
Sisters, we tried a time - two or three
Totally confused and trying to be

Sisters divided by family ties
Modeled by those who had already died
No real bonding, like oil and water
Fighting to find our places as daughters

Wishes were dreams with time running out
Yet fingers still clung to a lingering doubt
Each day was a gift, but there’s always an end
Now it’s too late but I truly did send

Heart-felt best wishes for all of life’s best
Prayers that you’re finally at peace and at rest
And on that great day when we meet face to face
True love will win out there’ll be nothing but grace

All that was wrong will be in the past
Peace and true joy are the gifts that will last
Sisters in Jesus is how it will be
Grafted completely in Christ’s family tree

In memory of my sister Leta Florence– March 4, 1961 – October 10, 2022

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.