The Valley of the Shadow of Death . . .

Over and over last year, I found myself back in the 23rd Psalm, and in the fall right around my birthday, I found myself faced with this reality.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” 

A routine mammogram revealed a threatening lump, which was found to be malignant and a journey began through “the valley of the shadow of death”.  Amazingly, I did have that peace that the psalmist wrote about, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”  It turns out that it really was just “the shadow of death.”  The lump was removed and found to be self-contained, and it appears that the incident may be behind me.

But it was a wake up reminder that we all will one day cross from this life into the next and we do not need to fear.  Jesus, our Savior will meet us there or walk through the valley with us to take us to our beautiful home in  heaven.  I have said goodbye to many sweet friends in the past couple of years, and I know that they are rejoicing with friends and loved ones around the throne of God.  I know that not one of those sweet friends would choose to come back.

For now, I am blessed to continue here with my precious husband and family and friends but there will be a day when this life will be traded for eternity with Jesus.