A Life Well Lived

On Wednesday, August 7, my beloved Aunt Geri was gathered into the arms of Jesus.  We all knew early last week that it would only be a  short matter of time before God called her home, but somehow I never feel prepared for such moments, even though I know that they are an inevitable part of this life.

 Aunt Geri and Me ~ September 12, 2011

There really are not words adequate to describe the sweet combination of winning qualities that comprised Aunt Geri's character, but the tribute below provides at least a small snapshot of the special ways in which her deep, abiding love impacted my life.

A Life Well Lived
The Legacy of Geraldine Murray

January 20, 1920 — August 7, 2013

A life well lived and a soul well loved.  That’s how I would describe the beautiful woman I was blessed to call “Aunt Geri. “  To look into her eyes was like looking into the face of love itself.

Anyone fortunate enough to be called her kin was touched by a love that was truly unique, both in its quality and expression . . . a love that could only come straight from the heart of God.   If you were to ask her nieces and nephews who Aunt Geri’s “favorite” was, I think they would all say, “I was” . . . at least, I would. J

Aunt Geri had a way of making me feel like I was the most important person on the planet!  She knew how to listen, I mean really listen, not just with the ears on her head, but with the ears of her heart.  I knew my greatest struggles and deepest secrets were safe with her and would be carried straight to the Lord in prayer. 

Hardly a time drew to a close without Aunt Geri gently suggesting, “Let’s just take a moment to pray.”  Then I would listen with wonder and amazement as every joy and sorrow, problem and praise that I had just shared with her would wend its way into her thoughtful, heartfelt prayer.  Never once did I leave her presence without feeling wrapped in King’s love and clothed in heaven’s blessing.  The love she had freely received from God through Jesus Christ, she freely gave to others in His name.

Aunt Geri’s faith in God was real.  There was nothing shallow or superficial about it.  She didn’t just state it through her lips, she demonstrated it through a life of sacrificial love and faithful service to God and others.

 

One of the things I appreciated most about Aunt Geri is that she was not afraid to feel pain — her own or anybody else’s.  I remember the times, when touched by my heartache, she would shed quiet tears right alongside of me.  Then I would feel her gentle hand lifting my face as she would say with tenderness, “God knows.”

Aunt Geri had the uncanny ability to identify and sympathize with the human side of life, while lifting my heart to the sure hope found in God’s Word and the eternal reality of God’s love.

Aunt Geri mastered the art of living because she mastered the art of loving.  I am so thankful that I am just one of many who had the privilege of being touched by her ever compassionate and always caring heart. She loved deeply, just like Jesus, and she will be dearly missed this side of heaven.

 © August 2013 by Christine Nicole

My heart will always and forever treasure the joy of knowing her and being embraced by her heart.