His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’ Matthew 25:23
Can you imagine those words after a long life of diligence and faithfulness? Enter into the joy of the Master.
Our neighborhood is grieving because we lost one of our own. Marnos, a 94 y/o widow who found her rest and comfort in Christ. This amazing woman, who walked daily past our homes, cared about each one of us. Her kindness and interest in all the kids made her a favorite. The many children on our block will miss her encouragement, wisdom and spunk. I, and many of the women on our street, will miss her friendship. She shared her life openly and generously, never mincing words, with the confidence and perspective that time brings. And most importantly, she continued to grow in her faith and love of the Savior right up to the end.
Marnos was the head of a large family, the crown to her wonderful life. And they adored her as much as she did them. Her daughter declared on her passing: "Her children rise up and call her blessed ... she was a woman who feared the Lord." What a legacy! She is a picture of the powerful impact of a simple, faithful, well-lived life.
She is gone from us for now and so we grieve, yet the grief is not without relief. As she recently tired of her body wearing down, she spoke openly and unafraid of what was next. I have no doubt that she heard her Jesus greet her with those words, “Enter My joy.”
This is what we were actually made for - joy! We get blessed tastes of it here, mere hints of what’s to come. But God made us to be with Him, in perfect communion and joy. And my friend is experiencing that now.
I will miss Marnos. I’ll miss swapping produce from our yards or borrowing tools. Did I mention she made the best tabouli? I’ll miss our driveway conversations, the kind word of encouragement or inquiry about my life. But I rejoice for her and know that we will meet up again. She was made for joy. So are you.
No eye has seen, no ear has heard
and no one’s heart has imagined
all the things that God has prepared
for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
