Soul Snack 8/12 ... The Early Mark
.The night had begun so well. The eager anticipation of energising friendships a salve for the mundane week, the constantly empty flat, and the long sadness of her soul. This week's end ritual so needed, so desired.
Lying listlessly on the stained concrete she now knew no yesterday or today. Tomorrow would never arrive.
Yet now she knew no joy, nor jealousy. Anticipation briefly replaced with agony. Consciousness snatched by catastrophe.
Silently she lay, bathed in the warm stillness of an unusually balmy evening. There was no sentinel to guard, no caring attention available.
Headlights flashed by. None caught this motionless slender figure. The streets curiously empty as this young life sapped lonely and silently away. Soon this listless body would also be lifeless. Soon another tortured spirit would be released into a premature welcome, direct from the Throne of Grace.
Unconscious while God was preparing her welcome celebrations. Soon she, with the heavenlies, would rejoice. Faith well rewarded and righteousness lovingly received.
The sadness of her soul continual. The injustice of her death irredeemable.
For nearly two decades now the cries of her heart melted the Throne of Grace. Unseen, uncared for, she is released into perfect love.
A most sad but merciful ending, that delivered a joyous, well deserved beginning. God sees His needy, hears their pleas and counts their tears. He responds.
"... the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil." Is 57:1d