We were just days into our set aside week of together-time. My husband had been away for three months, and we blocked off the calendar with seven hopeful days of simply being a family of four again. Sipping coffee while chatting, eating homecooked meals around the family dining table, trying to make up for all the lost hours that comes from being on two different continents.
Four days into our week, we got a dreaded text in the wee hours of the morning. Then, a call shortly after I woke up. My beloved grandfather had passed away over night and was now in his eternal home: Glory! While we were rejoicing at his heavenly homecoming, our hearts were aching for the earthly loss that comes with death. And I instantly knew I needed to make the journey to where my family would be gathering to honor the life of my grandfather.
Of course, this trip meant another separation from my recently returned hubby, but we knew it needed to happen. He did a thorough inspection of my vehicle and cleaned it out. We packed bags, loaded them into the back of the van, planned the route of travel, and headed off. He stayed home to care for animals and return to work, while the kids and I headed east.
The trip was mostly smooth, for being a 20+ hour drive. We were not able to eat as healthfully as at home, but made it work as best we could! Even my van, which is not used to the mountainous terrain, faired pretty well going up and down the Appalachian Mountains. And, just over every crest of mountain, my breath would catch with a praise to the Creator who made these gorgeous hills and colors.
As I drove and worshipped, in awe of the glorious fall colors, I knew that this land was never our final resting place. Yet, our Heavenly Father still takes time to make a breathtaking painting-esque landscape each season. The fiery reds and flaming oranges. The deep and sultry purples and browns. So many different colors.
I am so grateful that not only can we see this beauty earthside, but we have the HOPE of an even more stunning land awaiting us in Heaven! That joy floods my heart with praise!
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.
Ephesians 1:18-19, CSB
To watch more of our adventures in MD:
