More Work to be Done

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." -- Proverbs 31:30

At the end of the funeral service, she steps up to the microphone, purse in hand. The mother whose son's life burned bright for 32 short years. The room grows still as our eyes focus and our hearts lean in.

I confess, my mind simultaneously splits in two directions: how does a woman get up and talk in such a time of sorrow and why did she bring her purse? She sets the purse down next to the lectern and I set my questions aside.

It is my first true look at her. Grief is etched on her face and something else, which I have yet to name. She thanks us for coming. She speaks of her son. She speaks of her prayer closet where she bows her head as she works on behalf of others.

Then moving to her purse, she pulls out a heart-shaped metal tin the size of a dinner plate. One of my questions answered. A gentle shake of the tin and the microphone magnifies the sound of contents moving around inside...cards with the names of those she prays for on a daily basis.

She opens the lid, and asks us to be her witnesses, as she removes the card bearing the name of her son. She will leave it at the church, she explains, because now his life is complete in Christ Jesus.

Her prayer work for her beloved son is finished.

It is finished.

I am stilled by the magnitude of that thought.

And then, an astonishing remark, "It is time to make room in the prayer box for others who need prayers.

Her son's time on this earth is complete. Hers is not. She understands and she makes sure we understand, as well. While we still live and breathe and walk this earth, there is more life to be lived and more work to be done.

There is more work to be done.

No wonder I couldn't identify that other quality I observed in her face...it is a mixture of strength, courage, love, wisdom, hope, and perseverance all wrapped in the assurance of Faith.

Her faith calls out to our faith. My spirit responds to the call.

There is more work to be done.

Lord, thank You for this woman of faith who gave such a powerful testimony, yesterday. May You continue to surround her and her family with comfort, and strength, and healing as they grieve the loss and celebrate the life of their loved one.

May we keep our eyes on You as we live out this day. Show us the work You have prepared for our hands that we, too, might move in obedience and bring You glory. Thank You, Jesus, for the gift of our salvation. We love You. In Your mighty name we pray, Amen.