As someone who is a glass half full kind of girl, my recent season seems to be challenging my psyche. Sickness, loss, death and mortality are front of mind. Most of my daily writing stays in my personal pages, but decided to be brave and post a few in hopes it may encourage someone else through the darkness. Not sure what these pieces will turn into, but feel them very deeply. Thankful for supportive family, amazing friends, an even better therapist and my relationship with Jesus Christ as I wade through the mess.

Seasons

Life is composted of a myriad of seasons. Meant to come and go – change and return. Yet today it seems our society is too busy to be still. To notice the seasons and how they change from day to day, year to year. The birth, the death, the re growth. Our purpose is be present in the current moment. To live. Life is but a breath. stop to take it in.

But a breath

Life is finite. We act as though we are immortal, and are comfortable in that illusion. Yet mortality is like a ghost, looming around us at every turn. How to combat this inevitable enemy? Hope. Living with heaven in mind.

Living with Heaven in mind

Recently at a beautiful celebration of life I heard a phrase that seems to comfort my sometimes weary soul. Living with Heaven in mind.

Our sweet friend Pam lived a life that many would be proud of. Loving, faithful, hospitable, safe, smart and so much more. The dreaded C word was not how she was remembered and it will never define the mighty woman of God she was. There was talk at the service about the four years of suffering she endured in the battlefield of life, but never did it dim her desire for God and her unwavering faith of His goodness. She was living each day with heaven in mind. What a breath of fresh air that was for me to hear. My spirit lighter as I took in the thought. As believers we carry with us hope for the after. What happens when we depart this earth? The unknown. Yes, it is scary. It is a mystery for those of us on earth. BUT if we believe the Bible and the many stories/prophecies that it contains (all which have come true,) we have to believe in the new earth and what is ahead. As my friend Edith said today, your eternity starts the moment you say yes to Christ. This earth is not our home.

All writing by Tarah K. Harl Image: painting by Mindy Sommers “Clarity”

*Thankful for a friend who can give me wisdom, guidance and scripture as she read through this. Once we leave this earth we will be with God. No more tears, sorrow, death or sin. Luke 23:43, Philippians 1:21 & 2 Corinthians 5:8 are some scriptures to offer comfort and hope.