Memorial Day endurance

 James 1:12 says:  

“A man who endures trials is blessed, because when he passes the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”

How will I know when I have endured the trial of losing Jean?  How will I know if I have passed the test?  What is the crown of Life that God has promised to me.  Such mystery.  Such unknown, unknown territory.

This trip to Florida for work I was praying through this verse, trying to connect the dots.  The dots of this unknown territory.  Jean endured trials.  My trivial trials pale in comparison. The confidence in God that jean portrayed in a growing way til the very end was what set her apart.  She was willing to face death straight up, longing for her life to endure but yet knowing she could not.  Surrenduring up her family, her friends, her life on this earth reluctantly but in the end willingly.  She lived with solidity. Faith. Her frailness near the end shouted out the glory of her endurance.  

“We are bought with a price, therefore Glorify God ” is what the word says.

Jean lived as though her life had been purchased by God and she was living out to the last breath that calling.  It was a simple calling.  Love God.  Pray.  Hear God consistenly.  Love the man he had given her.  Love and cherish her children.  Love and cherish her grandchildren.  

Desire that the family would be together, un broken, committed to each other relentlessly.  Give a peice of herself to others in need, especially children daily.  Care more for others than for herself.  And everything else will be.  These foundational rocks of her character, drove her by distractions that most of us get caught by, caught in. Well at least I do.  So this Memorial Day in memory I will surrender my life again. Thanks for the memory Jean.