It all started about five months ago when we got a phone call from my wife’s sister who was in Arizona with the “bad news” that mom was in the hospital ICU with heart problems. When we first heard the news my wife and I were, to say the least, greatly concerned and worried because of mom’s age at the time. We didn’t know it then, but the next five months would be the last five months we would have with mom on this earth. It’s still very painful for me to even write about this because I loved mom so much. You see, my biological mom lives about 3,000 miles away and I love her more than I can describe; but I also loved my wife’s mom. She has always made me feel like her very own!
The “bad news” is that I never get to hear her voice again or give her one of those bear hugs that she liked. The “bad news” is that I will never be able to engage in conversation with her about the bible which we did on so many occasions. (She loved talking about the bible). The “bad news” is that I won’t be able to tell her on Mother’s Day how much I love and appreciate her love, her faith, and her incredible influence on me and in particular on my family. The “bad news” is that I will never experience a Thanksgiving again with her at the dinner table. For as long as I can remember mom has always been with us at Thanksgiving; and I wish now I would have taken the time to let her know just how thankful I was to have her in my life. The “bad news” is that I will never be able to listen to mom tell the Christmas story to the children, the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. I know the little ones were impatient to open their gifts but what they didn’t know is that one of their best gifts was the one telling them about the greatest gift of all. I suppose I could go on and on about the “bad news” and really it’s only “bad news” because I can’t see or touch or talk to mom anymore for myself.
The “good news” in all this bad news is that Nana didn’t really die. That sounds strange doesn’t it? And yet I’m reminded of the words of Jesus when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die”. Yes, mom’s, (Nana’s) earthly life is over but she has never been more fully alive than she is right now! The “good news” in the bad news is that Nana has no more pain, no more suffering, and no more difficulties physically. The “good news” in the bad news is that Nana left us a tremendous legacy: Her model of true Christianity, her prayers that never die and her unwavering love for her family. The really “good news” in the bad news is that one day I’m going to see Nana (mom) again.
What bad news are you facing today? Somewhere in that bad news I’m convinced that you can find some “good news”. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for “good” to them that love God….” Not all things are good but somehow, someway God can bring good out of any situation or event in life. And it’s for those who love God. Being a Christ follower makes all the difference in the world!
Why not take the time to ask God to show you “The Good News in the Bad News” as you live each day for Him! In time, you’ll see and discover that God has a plan that is much bigger and better than we could ever imagine. And it could be that that is an opportunity to rethink the way we live our everyday lives and in the process, to learn a new reliance on God.
So long for now, Mom! I'll see you someday in Heaven!
Your son, Dave