The cycle of life never stops

“You are in the Beloved -- his very own, his member -- therefore

infinitely dear to the Father, unspeakably precious to him. You are

never, not for one second, alone; then no reason for loneliness or

depression.”

-- NORMAN F. DOUTY

“A little Swedish girl was walking with her father one night under

the starry sky, intently meditating on the glories of heaven. At

last, looking up to the sky, she said, ‘Father, I have been thinking

that if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what will the right

side be?’”

-- UNKNOWN

This column began with two quotes, and could easily have included

more. That is because so many different emotions and thoughts swirled

through my heart and mind at the same time while I wrote. It’s like a

tangled tapestry inside, and I’ve asked God to help me unwind and

process it as he sees best.

One of the emotions is deep sadness. A special friend passed away

last week after fighting a courageous yearlong battle with cancer.

While gathering information to help write a very short obituary about

her, I was overwhelmed with what a remarkable person she was.

What I wrote was unbearably brief compared to a life that was so

rich. Besides being a dedicated and loving wife and mother, she was

an incredible friend, mentor, teacher, volunteer and much more to

countless people. She had an amazing balance of depth and wisdom as

well as great wit. I’ll always remember the times we laughed, cried,

biked, ate, played and prayed together.

God walked every step of the way with her, and she is now enjoying

the glories of heaven with him and all who went before she did.

Though she will be greatly missed here, we are thankful that she is

out of pain. I trust that God will walk with each of us left behind

and that he will comfort us in our grief.

I feel deep sadness about that loss, but at the same time I am

also filled with the great gladness of a new life: My brother’s wife

gave birth to a precious, healthy baby boy on Sunday night. We’ve all

been anxious to greet and meet this child, and I know that my

sister-in-law was more than ready to deliver this baby. I’ve seen and

held him and enjoyed his dimpled yawn, busy moves and baby cries. He

has already brought great joy, smiles and laugher to our extended

family.

In the same week I had to bid a sad farewell to a treasured

friend, I was blessed to bid a big happy hello to a new nephew.

There are many things that I don’t understand about life, but I do

know that it goes on. Life is a cycle that sometimes cycles too

quickly for me, but I trust God with all of it. We had to let go of a

special loved one on this earth, but we’ll celebrate her life and

think of her enjoying health, joy, beauty, love, worship, perfection

and much more in heaven. Whether we let go of one on this earth or

say hello to another, we can be confident that our heavenly father

will never let go of us.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

cindy@onthegrow.com or through the mail at 537 Newport Center Drive,

No. 505, Newport Beach, CA 92660.