A Precious Gift

My waking hours are filled with many things...school, laundry, meal planning, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning.  In all that I do, there is always a hint of a thought nearby, the thought of how different those things would be with a toddler in tow.  I do my best to be thankful as I tackle my "to-do" list.  I am absolutely thankful to have the means and opportunity to educate my children at home.  I am more than grateful that we have clothes to wear, food to eat and a roof over our heads.  Even so, it all seems incomplete.  And it is.  Our family here is incomplete.  I know that one day it will be made right.  I have no doubt that all that seems incomplete is still completely in God's hands.  Yet, I still am left longing for what will never be here on earth.

It's perplexing.

There is an incredibly beautiful song that Nicol Sponberg recorded called "Home."  There are no lovely pictures to see in the YouTube video below, but you can hear Nicol's heartfelt words.  (Nicol was an original member of the Christian group, Selah.  She is Todd Smith's sister and lost her son to SIDS not long after Todd & Angie Smith's daughter, Audrey, died just 2 1/2 hours after her birth.  Nicol has walked a difficult road; I find comfort in what she shares through her music.)

"HOME" by Nicol Sponberg

What is it like to be held in the same arms
that hold the universe?
What is it like to sleep on the chest of the
King of heaven and earth?
When you open your eyes and look on the face
of the giver of life, the author of grace

Do you know that your days here changed everything
You’re missed here and will always be
But you left here the greatest gift of all
‘cause our hearts ache for home

What is it like to breathe in and breathe out
heaven’s glorious light?
What is it like to be robed in perfection,
no reason to cry?
When you feel on your face your Father’s kiss,
His welcome embrace, we prayed for this

You should know that your days here changed everything
You’re missed here and will always be
But you left here the greatest gift of all
‘cause our hearts ache for home

So twinkle twinkle little star, we will keep you in our hearts
Twinkle twinkle little star, we will meet you where you are
Your days here changed everything
You’re missed here and will always be
But you left here the greatest gift of all
‘cause our hearts ache for home

I am so struck by the line of the chorus that speaks to the greatest gift being left with us...the yearning for our heavenly home.  You left that with me, my sweet Kristen.  And as much as it brings tears to my eyes, I treasure that very precious gift.