Holy Ground

 

Year 9- Day 6: Today, I am grateful  for holy ground. 

Romans 12:15 is a life verse for me. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." It seems to be coming up often, lately. 

None of us is perfect, but if we do these two things, we will please our Lord.  Life's biggest moments can fill us with both emotions. These are the moments I call "holy ground" moments. Holy moments in our lives that we never want to forget. 

The wonder of a baby growing in the womb and the miracle of birth... holy ground. The miracle of forgiveness and new life for a believer, made public through baptism... it's holy ground. The union of two lives in marriage is holy ground. The moment a soul takes its last breath on earth and first breath of heaven... my friend... it is holy ground. 

Many year ago, one of the first "praise songs" I remember hearing was "Holy Ground". The lyrics went like this: "We are standing on holy ground. And I know that there are angels all around. Let us praise, Jesus now. We are standing in His presence on Holy Ground." There are times we are aware through a 6th sense the extraordinary is happening. 

Today marks the "Feast of the Kings", the day we celebrate the arrival of the Wisemen from the East who followed the star to find Baby Jesus. They found Holy Ground. 

Today, a couple of special friends have birthdays... an anniversary of their arrival on the planet... an anniversary of a moment on Holy Ground. 

Today, cherished friends are planning services for loved ones  who died on Saturday. We share their sorrow as they press on and through their moments on Holy Ground. 

Today, our family had an unexpected loss. Mama Ina Mae's middle sister, Bonnie Bess-McHugh, died from an aneurism. She became ill yesterday. Today, she is with Jesus.  24 hours changed everything. 

I called her "Aunt Mama". I have been mistaken for her daughter. I look more like Aunt Bonnie, than Mama Ina Mae. It's how the genes fell. Aunt Bonnie was full of light and laughter. She loved to gift people things she made with her hands. She was a master of "from trash to treasure" before it was cool. She loved to share "lifehacks" before they were a thing on Facebook.  She loved doing crafts with kids at VBS and family reunions. She made everyone feel welcome.  She had a Dolly Parton genuineness that people loved. It is hard to say goodbye to those who lift us up. She loved with an open heart.  And, life was never dull because you never knew what she might say or do. We will miss her until we are reunited on Holy Ground.

Let us not forget to pause and take in Holy Ground.

Today, I am grateful  for holy ground.