In Memory of JasmineToday, I was once again reminded of the brevity of life. Renee, a friend and co volunteer, called from Cape Town to share that a special sweetie from the children's home we volunteered with had passed away. Needless to say, there are many emotions rushing through me... sad, lonely, confused... all focusing on me and my feelings. Praise God that when I remember Jasmine's feelings, hopes and dreams, I cannot help but rejoice and thank God for allowing our paths to cross and for bringing her home.
" Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never the same."
Truly, I pray that I will never be the same. I was volunteering to help Jasmine, but the truth is she helped me much more. Her life was challenging and so unfair to say the least. It would've been easy for her to have been angry, hard hearted and resentful, but instead of wallowing in bitterness, she smiled. Her smile will always be her legacy to me and I can't think of her now without hearing Nat King Cole singing....
"Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking
When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you"
Praise God, his "Son" shone through in Jasmine's life and He's now holding her close... lovingly wiping away every tear and healing all her heartaches... As I imagine this precious homecoming, it's impossible not to smile my biggest smile and would love for you to join me in celebrating this beautiful heavenly princess by sharing special smiles with everyone you meet in her honor :)
