The Moment

“Be glad you had the moment.”  Steve Shagan

These past two weeks have been a time of adjustment, emotion, and reflection for me.  I got a sweet card from a friend with the quote above, and it made me think of all the “moments” which are priceless to me.

Growing up in a small town can have its good points and its bad.  The good is that everybody knows you – the bad is that everybody knows you. This time it was all good.  Without fail, every person who came by to express condolences could recall a sweet “moment” they had with Mama. Perhaps she made her famous macaroni and cheese for their parent’s funeral, perhaps she gave their son or daughter a job in her store, perhaps she sang for their wedding, perhaps she sent a precious card at just the right time, perhaps she visited their home bound parent.  I could name a dozen more “moments” they shared.

A sweet friend wrote me a note about the “moment” that meant so much to her so I will quote her.  “I remember waiting with Ashley (my daughter) and Cooper (her little boy) on the morning of Mason’s (my grandson’s) baptism.  All of the sudden, Cooper looks outside the door and starts running toward the door.  We turn and look outside the lobby window and see Mimi walking toward the door.  Before we can process the lovely sight, we hear Cooper squeal with joy, “Mimi”!!  He kept running toward her to give her the biggest hug with the biggest smile, and her eyes twinkled. These moments in time are sometimes the most magnificent in heart. But I remember thinking, ‘I recognize that joy and that love.’  I knew and know that joy and love, and it is the greatest gift next to the gift of Jesus to us all.”  (Julie)

We have many “moments” to treasure, and it brings much joy to remember them.  In my mind, I would replace Cooper in this story with Mama as she gives the big smile, and Mama with Jesus as He enfolds her with a twinkle in His eye.  This is the best “moment” and one we can all look forward to with great joy and love.