bird with one wing

This past week two friends in church have passed away, a man and a woman.  Each of them had been married for decades...raised families...earned a living...walked with the Lord...and served others in gracious and loving ways.  I thought about their surviving spouses and how the nature of a close marriage is such tight "oneness" that when one partner goes on to be with the Lord the one who remains is so deeply affected.  Two had become one and had functioned in close harmony for half a century or more.  Each partner had helped smooth the path, calm the troubles, shared the load, brought new life into this world and enjoyed the closest bond two people can know under God's design.  And now one has flown away...moving on to Heaven.  I thought about the challenge of the one who remains...like a bird with one wing.  It is hard to even consider flying when you are a bird with one wing...and flying was something that you did as naturally as breathing when you had both wings.  Others who love you share support and encouragement and there is life and there will be a new plan...but for now you may feel like a bird with one wing...grounded for a time, and missing your finest feathers and your balance is a bit off.  We marvel at the beauty and wonder that marriage has represented through your joined lives and now we want to honor you and help you.  Don't fret about being unable to fly for a time.   The Lord will lift you on His wings and we are honored to be in the same flock.

With great love and regard for Harold and Nan, who have flown on and for Louise and Lou, who remain.

Ephesians 5:³¹ As the Scriptures say, "A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one." ³² This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one.

Rob Smith