Happy Birthday

I am using the daily devotional that Bonnie gave me as the basis for my bible study each morning.  Today  led me to Jesus' prayer in John 17.  As He comes near the end of that prayer He prays, in Verse 24:  "Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world."

Some bibles, including the NIV say "Father I want" or "Father I desire".  King James is quoted above and is clearer that it is Jesus WILL that believers be with Him where He is.

The NIV study bible calls this verse "His (Jesus') last will and testament for his followers."  How wonderful that is to think about.  If we, in this fallen world, consider a Last Will and Testament to be a legally binding document, how much more would God consider it to be so for His Son?  If Jesus WILLS that to us, then who can take it away? 

What a comforting way for me, or anyone, to start this rainy, cold, winter morning.  It is Jesus WILL that Bonnie behold His glory this morning.  It is not cold or rainy or winter where she is.  She is experiencing His Glory!!!  How wonderful for her.  How wonderful for me to know that.  How wonderful for all of us to have that given to us as Jesus' Last Will and Testament.

I miss Bonnie terribly.  I am no longer who I was because a very significant part of myself is no longer with me.  There are still times I find it difficult to breathe.  But, because of Jesus' WILL, I can continue to do so. I know Bonnie is experiencing His Glory and that was the goal of her life.  That gives me peace.  I can, as those waves of grief crash into me, give thanks for having had her as my wife for so long.  Because of HIS grace.....

Last Saturday was a wonderful, joyful event.  Lexi turned one year old on Friday and there was a birthday party in her honor on Saturday.  Shelley and I both experienced a bittersweet day on Friday but then Saturday's party came along.  What a great day it was.  Lexi was in her element.  She just beamed all day long. 

I don't know how Heaven works.  I don't know if there is a way for the Saints to see back to earth.  But, I can imagine that is possible (with God anything is).  If it is possible, I know Bonnie was smiling, laughing and oh-so-very-very pleased with her daughter, son-in-law and her beautiful precious Granddaughter.    I know I was.  I am.  She is too.