Reflection: Love lights up the dark times along with humour, says Angie Jones

LIFE IS ALWAYS SORROW AND JOY

In a time of sadness and loss, there can be profound moments of spiritual happiness too, says Angie Jones

In the midst of the turmoil in 2020 my mother-inlaw became ill. She was in and out of hospital and for much of the time we couldn’t see her. Then in December we had the telephone call we’d half expected. The doctors didn’t think she had long to live. Margaret had been moved into a side room and we were allowed to visit.

The next day we drove the 130 miles to Chichester, preparing ourselves for we knew not what.

Margaret was sitting up in bed and recognised us as we approached. Initially she was cross because she had to be in hospital and she demanded that we ‘get her out!’ But it wasn’t long before we were talking about old times and she relaxed into the conversation.

Now it’s confession time. I haven’t always found my mother-in-law easy to get along with. There have been some difficult moments over the years. But that afternoon became a holy time.

She asked me to read Psalm 23 and when I got to the last line something quite beautiful happened.

‘Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil….For You are with me….’ I read,

‘Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life,’ I continued with a faltering voice and as I paused, Margaret whispered:

‘And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’

It was as if the Holy Spirit of God came for she began to say deep, important things that we’d never heard from her lips before; affirming words: an admission she wished she’d known us better; and a thanks for all we’d done. Tears flowed with the healing of hurts.

We had three hours together and as I left my husband to have a final time alone with his mum, I kissed her forehead and thanked her for all she’d done for us too.

Later as we drove home, windscreen wiper swishing away the rain, I said: ‘Now we can start again. The past has been dealt with and when we

“It was as if the Holy Spirit came for she began to say deep, important things that we’d never heard from her lips before

Psalm 30:6 Weeping may endure for a night, but a ringing cry of joyful praise comes in the morning (NIV).

meet in paradise it will be a new relationship,’ and I felt a surge of joy bubble up within me.

A few days later when my husband phoned to speak to her she said: ‘Thanks for being my son. Bye for now, speak to you soon.’ Shortly after, she died.

I guess many of you will know sadness and loss at this time. Families and neighbourhoods have been devastated by the virus. How people need to know the love and forgiveness of God! This life is only part of our story – eternity awaits. Perhaps you need a conversation, as we had, to put the past right, while you still can?

All the days of our life on earth are a gift from God, to be accepted with thanks and used well. Psalm 90:12 reads: ‘Teach us to number our days, so we can apply our hearts to wisdom.’

In the uncertainty of these times as we give the passerby in the street a wide berth and hide our smiles behind face masks, how can we bring God’s blessings upon those around us?

We need to seek His prompting as we begin each day. Perhaps a telephone call to someone who is lonely? Or a letter (remember them)! Or an email?

Isaiah 50:4. Adonai, The Lord has given me the tongue of those who are taught, so I would know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary.

Or perhaps more time in prayer? The workers in the NHS need God’s strength and protection and those we know who are ill or bereaved. People seem so grateful when you say: ‘I’ll pray for you.’

Challenging times. But not all sad. There have been some funny moments to treasure too. My mum is 89 and proud of it. Although I’m not able to enter her house (which was fine in the summer, but not so good now), I’ve called regularly to check she’s OK and take groceries which she can’t get in her village. When I telephoned yesterday she said: ‘I was up ‘til ten to twelve last night, watching snooker on the telly.’ One day she offered me some yoghurt, as she’d got a lot. I noticed it was well past it’s best before date. ‘Mum, it’s way out of date!’ I said, horrified. ‘I know,’ came her reply, ‘that’s why I’m eating it!’

She’s quite a character, my mum. My niece makes knickers for her family. She gave mum a pair of drawers for Christmas. She’s given me permission to share a photo of mum modelling them on Christmas Day to bring a smile to your face! As 2021 unfolds, look for laughter and know the joy of the Lord in your hearts – whatever it brings!