Tonight they’re setting the table for their Guest of Honor to arrive. They’ve got the full spread: tomatoes, butter beans, creamed potatoes, fried chicken, and homemade bread. They are cooking a “Welcome Home” supper for the new girl arriving. The Guest of Honor is known for her bread making skills so the homemade bread must be perfect! The ripest, largest tomatoes ever seen decorate the table scape. The Guest of Honor is known for her gardening, also! 

The choir of angels is getting ready to perform for her as they put on their gowns hand-stitched with gold and white detail. The fabric is beautiful and the design flawless. Any seamstress would be amazed at the work. They make sure the fit is perfect, because The Guest of Honor loves to sew.

Gabriel gets the guest list ready! The Guest of Honor has friends and family here that have been waiting for her! The list reads: AW, John Austin, and Anita. Everyone is so excited rushing to the gates. “When is dinner?” “When will she arrive?” Gabriel tells them,” it’s time! She’s here!”

The large golden gates open, and it’s the biggest brown eyes they’ve ever seen peering around the other side. Hair more beautiful than any Earthly wig, and a grin that truly goes from ear to ear. “Mrs. Jimmie Sue, it’s Me! Welcome Home! The Alpha and Omega draws her in the biggest hug. His embrace is milk and honey and overflows her cup. She overhears,” Mama! Mama!,” and “What took you so long?” 

She looks at the King of Kings and asks what day it is, and why she’s here. “Well done my good and faithful servant. Welcome to the home I’ve prepared for you. Welcome to paradise. We’ve been waiting for you.” His voice halted time and existence stood still at the sound.  His laughter was thunder and his tears were waterfalls. His joy to greet her was brighter than the sun. 

I cry tears over missing her so much already. Maybe a part of me is jealous. Jealous that she will eat with her Creator. Jealous that the Maker of the stars, the calmer of the seas, and the Lord of Lords gets to walk on water, and dance on waves with her. Jealous of her bathing in the Jordan River. Jealous of the angelic sounds of angels singing and harps playing. Jealous of the smells of floral, and perfume that the mind cannot conceive. Jealous that she gets to see the lamb and the lion roam together. Jealous that the sights her eyes can see can’t be put into human words. 

My girl crossed the Finish Line today. The race she had been running is finally over, and contrary to my tears, I’m so happy for her. She loved Jesus and lived it day in and day out. She raised every single child of hers to love the Lord. She knew her purpose on Earth, and she served it well. She knew she was never meant for here. 

The truth is, she’s never lived until now. She’s never felt peace until now. She’s never not worked until now. Heaven’s New Girl is our favorite Earth girl, and She is more precious than rubies, and nothing compares to her. 

I draw comfort in the fact that God didn’t have to give us this wonderful soul that was my Grandmother. He didn’t have to give her 92 years of her mind, her physical being, and her spiritual being. He made her tough, graceful, talented, loving, and a woman after His own heart. He didn’t take her from us abruptly. She wasn’t a victim of violence, or some other scenarios that rob us of peace. He let us sit at her feet these last few moments. He let us play with her hair, and kiss her face. A face that was still warm to touch, and a mind that still recognized where the kiss came from. He let us recant memories and stories to her. He let us, and He didn’t have to. He tells me He’s making a masterpiece, shaping a soul in me. He’s moving where I can’t see. 

One of the last things she and I said to one another was, “if I don’t see you here, I’ll see you there.” She was my best girl; the reason I’m drawn to the elderly. She had a servant’s heart that she gave to my mom, and so forth to me. I’m so grateful to share the same spiritual gift. All of me loves all of you, girl! When the roll is called up yonder, I’ll see you there! 🤍