A Special Job For Laynee

I can't pretend to have a full understanding of what takes place in heaven.  I've wondered many times about what it is that those who have gone before us do in heaven.  I believe that they are actively praising our Lord with everything that they do, that every action is one of perpetual worship.  I also believe that the saints in heaven are given jobs and that one of those jobs is to pray for and be near to those on this earth, especially those who were dear to them on earth. 

I talk to Laynee all the time.  I tell her how much I love her, how much I miss her.  On days like today I say things like:  "it's been 11 months since I got to hold you and it seems so long.  I know it hasn't been long at all for you, but for us it's been forever."   I don't get answers but I do talk to her and believe that she hears me.  In addition, I often sing to her.

I have been talking to her very recently about a special job that she is about to get in heaven.  On Sunday, August 9 my 18 year old nephew, Wade Jeffrey Sinn, will be leaving for San Diego where he will begin basic training for the Marine Corps.  He will be there for 13 weeks of training, home for 1 week, and then begin his life as a Marine, wherever that may be.  It is with a myriad of emotion that we send Wade off.  We, our entire family......brothers, parents, aunts, uncles,cousins, grandparents,  are very proud of him for the decision to serve this beautiful country in which we live. We also feel a sense of trepidation that stems from the unknown.   Life in the military can be uncertain these days.  We do not know where he will be in six months, or six months after that and on and on.

As I lay down to go to sleep last night, my heart was heavy for my sister, Wade's mother, Gail.  As mothers, we have the inborn need to care for our children.  We need to be needed by them, to know that they are okay, to be there for them.  As Wade begins his life in the Marines, Gail's role as his mother will change dramatically.  No longer will she have daily contact with him and often she will not even know where he is.   While ultimately, Wade belongs to our Savior, in an earthly sense, he now belongs to the Military.  He will no longer answer to his parents but to those men who are ranked over him.

I find a two fold sense of comfort as Wade leaves and Laynee is given her new job in heaven. There is comfort in knowing that Laynee has such a special job, and there is comfort in knowing that someone so close to Wade will be watching and praying for him. It is unfathomable to think that Laynee, who was so very busy and needed help with everything, is more capable of watching out for Wade now than any of us here can be. While we all will pray for Wade from afar, Laynee well know specifically what he needs at all times.   She will watch him, she will love him in a way that even his parents cannot.  She will also be there to pray over Gail and Jeff as they take up their new role as military parents.

Watch over our Wade sweet Laynee Grace. 

It's a very important job to do.

We Love You, Wade