Lessons God taught me through a 5 year old...

I was reminded that yesterday, June 13, marked the 21st year since my little cousin, Teresa went home to Jesus. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember coming home from a bike ride to find my mom in tears and then she told me the news. I was 15 (almost 16) and for the first time in my life someone too young to be gone, was gone. She was 5 years old.

I could write a list of memories of Teresa. I remember when we found out my aunt was going to have another baby (Teresa was the youngest of 4 girls), I remember holding her when she was little. I remember playing with her and her sisters. I remember the times when we were little and our mom's and Grandma would go shopping the Saturday after Thanskgiving and we would all stay at the Franz house and play. I remember taking pictures of her and her sisters (because at that time I was aspiring to be a photographer). I would line everyone up in the perfect pose and then take a picture. I remember calling her the "little German Army Tank" (though I can't really remember why). The list could go on.

I remember all of this with a smile because I know Teresa isn't hurting one bit today. The lessons God taught me through a 5 year old girl were that life here on earth can be short, sometimes way too short. He showed me that each person that touches my life is a gift. I may be blessed with that gift for a long time or a short time. But whatever amount of time it is, not to take it for granted, to hug them while I can. He taught me that when that time comes to an end I will grieve for what I have lost and that is ok. He also taught me that through that grief He will not leave me. He is the great comforter and no matter what goodbyes I have to say in this life, He will not say goodbye to me. I learned that the greatest joy when I get to heaven will be falling into the arms of my Savior, but after that it will be the reunion I will have with those who have gone before me. He taught me to rejoice in the resurrection, because our mourning will only last for a season.

The life of my cousin Teresa was short, the place she has in our hearts is huge, the joy in knowing that she lives because Jesus lives is amazing!