When It Comes Crashing Down

In a split second the tinkling 

crashing noise

filled the air.

I came around the corner

 of the doorway

into the dining room

 and my shoulder hit the edge

 of this display cabinet.

 Dislodged the entire piece to the floor.

Earthquake like.

Right off the wall.

A big tear rolled down my cheek.

I couldn't pick it up by myself.

Had to wait till dear hubby came home.

Collected the shards and pieces

into a box.

Grandmother's tea cup.

First husband's vintage mustache cups.

My mother's tea cups.

Gifts from others.

Marianne Latall's cups.

Texted three daughters.

They said it is the beginning 

of garden stepping stones.

It is just STUFF.

And in full Ann Voskamp training 

of 5 years.

I looked for the gift.

And there they were.

Missing handles.

Chunks gone in the back.

Saucers gone.

But here they are- GIFT.

Survivors.

Working to reset heart and attitude-

I went to the mailbox.

 And there nestled in the stack-

a handmade gift from a friend

in appreciation for listening

 and taking time.

And I noted the delivery time-

and the Day.

 God's great care for me,

moved in the universe

 to be RIGHT THERE,

RIGHT NOW.

He alone mends 

the broken pieces of our world.

It is the people that matter.

And as I listen-

a mother finds out her child has Type 1 Diabetes,

a friend's mother dies unexpectantly,

a pastor loses his dear wife.

There is much greater loss than stuff.

 And the word on the daily calendar 

for praying --

 Contentment.

And the message of a God

 who meets me

WITH HOPE.

 Remembrance and Care

when I lose - JUST STUFF-

is the same Lord that meets me- 

when loss is health 

and people and relationships.

As it all 

goes,

 fades,

 breaks, 

withers, 

and dies,

I remember HIS WORD.

Isaiah 40:8

The grass withers, the flower fades, 

But the word of our God stands forever.”