The arrangement above was given to us by our church family at Red Rocks Church the day of Noah's service on January 15th. It was such a gorgeous mix of flowers, arranged in a square metal box. From each side of the arrangement, the flowers looked like an entirely different bouquet. It was beautiful, that is why I took pictures of it. Translate to today...I have been swimming in pools of cardboard boxes and bubble wrap in our new home. We camped here last Thursday night after pulling into town from a long drive on I-70 in white out conditions. Our PODS came the next day and we've been unloading and organizing ever since. I was unpacking a kitchen box. Nothing in it reminded me specifically of Noah, but I thought about how unpacking these boxes reminds me of opening gifts (especially because my mom packed the majority of them!)
Anyway, I had a revelation of different kinds of gifts. I was looking at Emily, thanking God that she truly is a gift to us. Thanking God that children are a gift from Him and then it occurred to me. Obviously I already know that Noah was a gift to us. But I realized, he was more like a beautiful floral arrangement. Unlike silk flowers, fresh, magnificent ones that God created only last a little while plucked from their source of life. Noah was a fragrant bouquet. God delivered him into our lives. We cherished him, were grateful for him, and displayed him in our lives for all to see and also enjoy. But like every fresh flower, he faded...
I have no regrets. I did not waste a moment with Noah. All 7 months and 2 days were savored. I can honestly, thankfully, and humbly say that. Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with the most magnificent flower. Even though he is not physically with me, his fragrance and the delight of having had him in my life...it's my treasure, Lord. Thank You for such a gift. Why You chose us, we will one day know, but in the meantime, I'm just glad You did...
It is so neat to see your perspective on people and life itself. We all are challenged with so much. But, when a person is challenged like you and your family it breaks the hearts of others to see christians go through. You have a very beautiful family here on Earth and in heaven. Sometimes I wonder why life hurts so much. Is it lack of faith on my be half? I am awesomed at your stregnth. And know as a stranger that I love you for the treasure you are to this life. You have taught so many things that people don't ever take time to think about. THANK YOU!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAdrienne,
ReplyDeleteYou never cease to amaze me! Thank you for this post. Some days it is difficult to enjoy the gifts we have been given, but when we look up to the one who chose us, it then becomes easier to be more thankful for those gifts. Thank you again for sharing your perspective!
I am glad to hear that you are now in your new house. You have been in the forefront of my thoughts in the last week, hoping that you were doing well.
Beth in Brighton
Thank you so much for sharing your life. You are so stong and focused. I also like unpacking and opening packages. I look forward to your blog as much as i do opening the mailbox.
ReplyDeleteLaura (Garza) Ware
What a beautiful metaphor. I wish you and your family continued peace and clarity in 2008.
ReplyDeleteKristin Z in DE
Thanks for sharing such a great story. YOu have continued to inspire and encourage me in my own faith through your words and strength. Thanks for sharing your life with all of us in bloggerville! Hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!! God Bless, Kris
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put, my friend!
ReplyDeleteI can't help but feel as if I've "known" Noah - although I personally don't have enough HAIR, I keep reminding my "free-minded" 9 year old daughter (soon to be 30, or older) that she has MORE than enough to donate on 1/12, and that we have pictures to prove that she looks great with short hair. Oh well, that's another battle - I have a 5 year old that would be BALD w/out her 10 inches - but she wants more than ANYTHING to "give" them to Noah and HIS kids. God Bless - always in our thoughts and prayers. Keep updating - the kids (and I) check every time we can!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your beautiful perspective. I praise the Lord for the work He is doing in your heart and in all of us who read your blog.
ReplyDeleteHe truly was a gift to so many of us.
ReplyDeleteI love your comparison to the beautiful flowers. Perfect.
I can imagine that starting the new year is very difficult for you without Noah. May God richly bless you as you continue to seek out the lost for Him.
Grace and peace is yours, my friend. Hope your unpacking goes well.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what you have planned for the 12th? I'm praying for all of you. You have shown such beauty and demonstrated His amazing strength through the first year. Has it really been a year? You, Jason and Em have not been forgotten, nor has Noah. Love to you.
it brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart to hear this heartfelt description of noah.
ReplyDeletereminds me of this song:
"i am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow, a wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the wind. still you hear me when i'm calling, lord you catch me when i'm falling- and you told me who i am. i am yours."
much love to you today.
Beautifully said! He was a georgeous bouquet that still blooms in everyones hearts today! I can't wait to see pics of the new house!!! Glad you made it back safely even though it was nasty driving conditions outside! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteAde,
ReplyDeleteOur children our gifts and a day does not go by where I don't thank God for Luke and Carlie. Noah is so very special and your tribute to him and Emily is so fitting and so true!
I wish you, Jason and Emily a very Happy 2008!
Love, Tara
P.S. - I will get your CD out to you when I return from my trip to CT.
What a beautiful comparison and an incredible way to see GOD revealed. So many things in life our gifts that so many refuse to see.
ReplyDeleteWhat gifts Emily, Jason, and you are. And what an amazing bouquet Noah was.
btw, I'm still available to help unpack and organize. Just let me know.
Beautifully written. Happy New Year and congrats on your new home.
ReplyDeleteShannon in Austin
All these are fabulous bouquet... Great choice!!
ReplyDelete