My mom is dying. And I'm feeling all the feels. Sadness. Deep, deep gratitude. Longing for her not to suffer. Longing for us as a big (diverse and complicated) family to do well on this journey of grief together. I'm also sensing God's tender nearness.

This morning I read a blessing for the dying from John O'Donohue. Here's a lovely verse,

May you see the reflection

Of your life's kindness and beauty

In all the tears that fall for you.

I can tell you, lots of tears have already fallen for my mom. And yes - those tears speak of kindness and beauty.

I'm reminded of Psalm 56:8 and the stunning image of God keeping track of our tears.

Here's how the New Living Translation puts it.

You keep track of all my sorrows.
You have collected all my tears in your bottle.
You have recorded each one in your book.

O God who took on our humanity and knows our grief and sorrows, thank you for keeping track of my - and the world's - tears. The size of your bottle is unfathomable. Amen

Peace,

Ruth