The Show Must Go On -- Here, and Up There

Today, I’m back in Tulsa where so many memories always await me. Of course, I’m with Mom (aka Mom-in-Law) and Karen, which brings a flood of memories when we’re together, but today, November 16th is exceptionally special to each of us. Mom’s boy, Karen's big bro, and my Sweetheart, gets my FB marquee placement today.

Heaven is a wonderful place and every time I hear about someone's loved one getting to go there, it seems to get sweeter and sweeter. At least it sure does for me. This beautiful man went there ahead of me...seven years ago today. His Bucket List was completed, and he received his ticket for the ride he'd waited for, earned, deserved and was awarded. On the other hand, he was always ahead of me -- leading and guiding me, and always my cheerleader. I like to think that's part of his assignment in heaven -- to keep pushing me to be the best I can be, like he did when we were teenagers and during those 44 years we were together.

What would it be like if I just sat and pined away about “the way we were” or for wanting to "go home" too? What if I didn't celebrate my life today and all the joys it holds for me on this side of heaven because I'm still here?

Growing up, I heard a lot of songs about heaven: "Won't It Be Wonderful There", "When We All Get to Heaven", "Heaven is a Wonderful Place", "In the Sweet By and By", "Shall We Gather at the River?" And I agree with those songs and many sermons about the beauty and grandeur of heaven. It will be beyond our wildest dreams and imaginations. But if we're not doing what we are supposed to be doing in the right here and now, we'll be most miserable. Why be always thinking about our past and dreaming about the future, when God has called us to pick up our assignments for right here and now, and DO THEM to the best of our ability today? There are people to love and encourage. There are young people that need mentors. There are more lessons to learn. There are widows and widowers that need to know how to continue living strong. There are prayers to pray and seeds to plant. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!

I keep remembering so many of my Sweetheart's quotes. "You can do this. Your best days are ahead. Have faith -- it's gonna' be alright. Throw your hands up in the air, and enjoy the ride. Finish strong. The show must go on." And during those times when I am challenged with life and the circumstances that sometime seem overwhelming….. like having to handle business affairs and financial challenges, home and car repairs, counseling friends and family members, and making so many life decisions on my own, and when I really would love to hear his sweet voice to tell me what to do, I compose myself and I sense the voice of my Heavenly Father saying, “Trust ME!” We have a resource that we can go to for the answers, Who gives us the strength, understanding, wisdom, and comfort we need.

Today, the 'SHOW" for me is my faith journey. And, on this faith journey, I’m always travelling on roads that take me to new places, new adventures, living large with my family, sharing God's "good news" and celebrating this “abundant life” Christ came to give us. You’ll recognize me on the road….I’ll be the one with lights blinking, horn honking and banners waving and shouting “Move out of my way…I’ve got a race to run and I’m going to finish strong!"

Happy Promotion Anniversary, Sweetheart! I love you FOREVER, and I’ll catch up with you soon! I’m not giving up – until I’m taken up! In the meantime, since you are so close to the throne of God, would you please nestle up close to Him and tell Him your adoring and loving wife could use some extra help down here? After all, THE SHOW MUST GO ON!”