Truest Life
By Janice C. Johnson
For Martha…
Just last week, a lost crayon might have caused you untold consternation. But now such troubles seem insignificant because bigger things occupy your mind. The real, grownup world waits just behind a door that stands slightly ajar for you. You have caught a glimpse of it through the narrow opening.
The other children, those who have not yet noticed the door, cannot understand. “Why don’t you want to go down the yellow slide?” Ah, but more daring adventures beckon you now. “Tommy won’t share the blocks!” You are not listening; this is none of your concern. With that light shining beyond the edge of the door, who can think of blocks?
Or dolls, or balloons… you are becoming aware of the promise of the future: the exhilaration of driving a car, or even flying. Building things—real things—with your own hands. Dancing a ballet, moving off to college, climbing a mountain. How can sidewalk chalk and mud pies hold your attention now?
Our childhood noises fade away for you as your hesitant steps draw closer to the door. It opens a bit wider. Your left hand reaches out to touch it. The light shines on your face, silhouetting your figure as we finally notice and begin to gather behind you. We have grown silent with awe, watching. For a moment we forget about the toys in our hands. You are seeing possibilities that stretch away beyond our childish dreams, yet something of what you see reflects from you and stirs our hearts.
We wait. You seem to rise on tiptoe and then, in one swift movement, the door swings open and you step through without a backward glance. We who are left behind look at each other, our blank faces turning thoughtful as the door closes with a soft click.
Finally our gaze returns to the toys we still hold. We will enjoy them again—perhaps tomorrow—but now we grasp them less tightly. For we have begun to suspect that, for us too, the truest part of life lies ahead.
Jesus said… “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die…”
(John 11:25, New International Version)
Thanks for reading,
Jan
Jan C Johnson, Author 
Thanks for your inspirational blog today, Jan. We are grieving with you at the loss of your sister. I’ve enjoyed reading all your posted articles!
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I really have no words except that there is such beauty in your words, words that rise up out of the one who grieves, offering despair and hope, all at the same time.
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Beautiful. You and yours are in my prayers. In Him, Jenny (a friend from SDG)
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I’m so sorry. Missed you at link up but I now undertake. Love and prayers to you.
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I’m so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. Words seem small, but please know you are loved and being prayed for.
May God fill you with His peace and healing.
Jill
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know that He is your protective shield and we … with arms around stand around you during this time…holding you.
xo
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So sorry. Thoughts and prayers as you walk through this time…
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Such poignant words coming from your beautiful and grieving broken heart. I am praying He holds the pieces and gently puts them together again. Praying for hope out of the ashes.
From the sisterhood, soli deo gloria,
lisa
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I have prayed for you and do so now…what a most beautiful reflection of this transition you have expressed in words . . . love, hugs & prayers…jodi
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Praying for you, asking our Jesus to surround you, encompass you, embrace you during this time.
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I’m so sorry for the loss of your dear sister, Janice. May God hold you in His embrace. Praying for you and your family…
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A precious analogy; and such a tender, vulnerable glimpse into the loss of your sister. My prayers go with this note – for such Comfort as you will not be able to fathom, for Hope that will catch you by surprise, for glimpses of Jesus to take your breath away.
Thank you for allowing us to ride alongside you, even just for a moment.
In Christ –
Teri
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What a lovely and special way of honoring Martha at this painful time. Your sentiment is moving beyond words. I am sending you condolences and know that you will always have your memories of your time together.
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My prayers are lifting you up today, my dear friend!
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One word – “amazing”, just “amazing”. You transform sorrow into beauty. What a gift you have been given. Please accept my condolences on your loss.
Thanks
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Jan,
Beautiful post. I’m so sorry to hear about your sister. Sisters are so special, and this loss so huge. Praying for you.
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