Lana wiped away a tear as she inserted a key into the lock. How strange it felt to be unlocking this door. This door to a house that felt more like home than her own home. It was hard to believe Grams was gone. And now Lana had to clear out her house. She pushed the door open into the living room and gazed around, taking it all in. This would be the last time it would look like this.

She inhaled a deep breath. The place still smelled like Grams. Her jasmine perfume scented the air, along with the lingering aroma of Chinese takeout from when the family gathered here last night after the service.

It had been a lovely service. Grams would have loved it. There were so many stories told of her in her healthier days, plus lots of talk of her rejoicing in heaven. If anyone deserved to go to heaven, it was Grams. She was the nicest, kindest woman on the planet. And she certainly talked about Jesus enough.

Lana had gone to church with her as a girl, but school, work, and dating all became higher priorities. Her mind flew back to the conversation she’d had with Grams just a week ago. She’d placed her wrinkled brown hand on Lana’s and stared into her eyes. “I’m not going to be around much longer, child.”

“Don’t talk that way.”

“You need to face the truth. The doctors know what they’re talking about. You can’t expect an old lady like me to live forever. But I know where I’m going. Do you?”

Lana had glanced away from those dark penetrating eyes.

“I mean it. You can put your trust in all kinds of things, but at the end of the day, the only thing that will still be standing is Jesus.”

Lana had nodded and smiled, agreeing with Grams with her actions, but in her heart, she wasn’t so sure. Now Grams was gone and she cried out to God. “If you’re real, show me a sign.” She waited a beat. Nothing happened. Just as she suspected. God wasn’t interested in her.

She worked steadily the next few hours, boxing up items, sorting everything into piles; one to keep, one to donate, one to throw away.  She moved into Grams’ bedroom. Grams’ dresser was covered with framed photos. Photos of everyone in the family, Grams’ beloved pets through the years, favorite vacations… In the center of the dresser, surrounded by all the frames stood a cross. That was fitting.

Lana spied Grams’ jewelry box on the edge of the dresser. She picked it up and perched on the corner of the bed. She opened the box and rifled through the contents. Pulling out a ruby ring, Lana couldn’t help smiling. Grams had loved this ring. About to slip it on her finger, Lana fumbled it and it rolled under the dresser. Oh no! She got down on all fours to peer underneath.

There, amidst a sea of dust bunnies was the ring. Lana reached under and grabbed it, but as she stood, she smacked into the side of the dresser, causing an awful clatter as all the picture frames fell over.

Lana rubbed her side where she banged into the dresser, and then surveyed the damage. Only a couple of frames had fallen the floor, but every single thing on the dresser had fallen over. All except the cross.

Lana sank to her knees as Grams’ words echoed through her head.

“You can put your trust in all kinds of things, but at the end of the day, the only thing that will still be standing is Jesus.”

She’d asked for a sign. And she’d gotten one.

Psalm 46: 1-2

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

God, we look to so many things in this world to fill the empty hole inside of us. You are the only thing that can. No matter what else happens in this world, we can count on You. Thank you for standing beside us through everything, even when we doubt you. You are our strength through everything. Please help us to trust in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.