Laugh on Glory's Side

As is often the case with grief, it is quite sneaky and can be the unexpected and unwelcome visitor. While getting something out of the cupboard, I caught a glimpse of the mortar and pedestal we used to crush Macayla’s meds. Later in the day, I saw a black Dodge hightop conversion van in front of Lowe’s and wished I was still driving ours, because it would mean Macayla was still with us. Then we had pasta for dinner and all I could think about is Macayla’s love for noodles. They were just memories, but for some reason these were not the kind that bring sweet sentiment. They brought fresh pain. 

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But it was a cathartic morning at church. Macayla’s class at church gave us an amazing gift. They made a little butterfly tree. Each butterfly was made of clay, painted and had each classmate’s name on them. It was great and so amazing these girls still think of Macayla. They so often sent Macayla cards and letters to brighten her room. We are so, so thankful for their continued love and prayers.

Then, in the service, a friend of ours sang a solo that reminded me of where Macayla is. The song was Chris Rice’s Come to Jesus. Our friend, Clint, sang it flawlessly and as the lyrics unfolded, I couldn’t help but think of our journey and Macayla:

Weak and wounded sinner 
Lost and left to die 
O, raise your head, for love is passing by 
Come to Jesus 
Come to Jesus 
Come to Jesus and live! 

Now your burden's lifted 
And carried far away 
And precious blood has washed away the stain, so 
Sing to Jesus 
Sing to Jesus 
Sing to Jesus and live! 

And like a newborn baby 
Don't be afraid to crawl 
And remember when you walk 
Sometimes we fall...so 
Fall on Jesus 
Fall on Jesus 
Fall on Jesus and live! 

Sometimes the way is lonely 
And steep and filled with pain 
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain, then 
Cry to Jesus 
Cry to Jesus 
Cry to Jesus and live! 

O, and when the love spills over 
And music fills the night 
And when you can't contain your joy inside, then 
Dance for Jesus 
Dance for Jesus 
Dance for Jesus and live! 

And with your final heartbeat 
Kiss the world goodbye 
Then go in peace, and laugh on Glory's side, and 
Fly to Jesus 
Fly to Jesus 
Fly to Jesus and live! 

I know Macayla is on the other side of Glory, smiling, laughing, and dancing. She is in perfect peace because she’s in the presence of the Prince of peace. Just like the butterflies on her tree, she has been transformed. It is a transformation that awaits all who belong to Christ. Weak and wounded sinners can be transformed by the precious blood of Christ. This makes all the difference. We are left behind for now and we grieve...but we grieve with hope!