Life, Death, Resurrection

Life

Bitterroot. Surprise Lilies. Two plants in nature that know resurrection. Both deliver leaves in early spring, then die back. 

Dead as a doornail…or so it seems.

Two or three months later, a stem of the bitterroot and surprise lily sprouts from the ground and pretty white, pink or purple flowers come to life. Resurrection of a sort. I suppose you can say that the plant never really died, it simply found new life after a long nap. Scientifically, both allow their leaves to die back so that in drought, it can save whatever energy remains for budding flowers. Spiritually, it is a wonder of God’s beautiful gift of life – for all that is in this world. 

Death

I lost a dear friend last week to a massive heart attack. Unexpected. Gary was only 80, a wonderful, laid-back, happy guy. I met Gary and his wife, Margie, about 47 years ago, when my then husband introduced me to them. The ex-husband and Gary have been friends since grade school and their friendship continued to the day Gary left us. Upon arriving at Gary and Margie’s home for the first time, I was met outside by a smiling black dog, and inside by a couple who instantly felt like a favorite worn pair of jeans and a warm, fuzzy sweatshirt. Friends forever. Over the years, Gary and Margie have been kind, welcoming, and a joy to be with. Gary had an infectious smile and laugh, and would have given the shirt off his back if I had ever asked. I had thoughts of going to visit both of them (they are about a 90 minute drive away) the last two summers, but then busyness and time and excuses got the better of me. Now I sit here, feeling sad and guilty that I didn’t make a better effort. It’s difficult to talk to someone when they are not physically present.

Do you have friends or family that you haven’t visited for a long time? Make plans now because I regret the days I could have gone and did not.

Resurrection

This is Holy Week for Christians around the world. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It was his death that gave us grace, mercy, forgiveness and a resurrected life in heaven.

When mom was still living, in the throes of her dementia, she asked me a concerning question. This is an approximation of our conversation:

“Do you have a dictionary?”

“Yes, mom, why?”

“I want you to look up heaven and hell.”

“Why do you want me to do that?”

“I want to know if heaven really exists.”

“What makes you think it doesn’t?”

“Because I can’t see it. I can’t see Evan (my dad) or all the other people who are supposed to be up there.”

“I think they are too far away, mom. We can’t see them from here, we can only feel their spirit.”

“Oh…well, look it up anyhow. I want to know.”

By the following week, mom forgot about her question, but it stuck with me as an example of the times we question where our spirit goes in death. Mom’s dementia allowed doubt to seep in for a time and then it let her forget. I have not lost faith in God, but still wonder why He took Gary away from his wife of 55 years and all of the friends and family that loved him deeply. Was it so Gary could be with his mom and step-dad? Was it to spare him something more painful to come? Why didn’t Gary or his doctor know he was ill? There is not an answer here, only God’s promise that we have a life of grace in the present and everlasting life when we die.

Friend Margie gave me a resurrection (surprise) lily many years ago which, in turn, I gave to mom and dad to plant against the west-facing wall of their house. The lily delivered as expected: Green leaves in spring, white flowers in July. Pretty. When mom and dad sold their house, the new owners immediately surrounded the house with landscaping rock and covered up the lilies. They would not rise again, much to dad’s consternation. He loved the lilies, as did I. Perhaps I will find them at a greenhouse this spring and plant lilies in the butterfly garden this summer – resurrect a unique flower and a few beloved memories.

Jesus gave his life willingly at the request of his Father. Horrifically and painfully. To save us from ourselves, our sin, our doubt. Jesus’ mother lost a son, but in resurrection, the world gained the light of hope and a forever forgiveness with no strings attached. Nothing, not even landscaping rock or a massive stone, could prevent Jesus from rising for his people.

Epilogue

Yes, life continues. From the flowers that bloom in spring, to the baby robins in their mother’s nest, to the humans that continue to habit planet Earth. If bitterroot and surprise lilies can survive in drought conditions, then we can overcome our own hardships and losses with determination and never-ending faith that God is with us…always.

Yes, death comes eventually. We were never created to live forever, only to find our best life and share the grace, mercy and forgiveness afforded by a savior. Pray that in death we leave a legacy of love and are remembered for a kind heart and infectious laugh. Our people will mourn for us, but we will finally understand true peace in a life after life. 

Yes, mom, there is a place for you above the clouds. You are there now, telling Jesus how to do things right, asking for a brandy manhattan, and hanging out with dad. Gary is there, as are a few other friends and family that hold a memorable place in my heart. No need for a dictionary or deeper meaning. God can succinctly relay the definition of heaven and life everlasting to whoever needs to hear, at the time they most desperately need to hear it.