Heartbroken

This is where it all began.

It was one of our happier stories. We were reorganizing and redecorating a home for a family with triplet baby girls. We had a custom made, queen size crib to put in the largest bedroom that we (of course) painted pink. When Mary showed up to work we asked her if she knew how to “cut in” paint. She had no idea what we were talking about.

Cutting in is what you must do at the top of the wall to make the line straight around the room. A quality cut-in job makes the paint look professionally done. No paint on the ceiling and no roller streaks at the top of the wall are allowed; painting must be done with a brush and a steady hand. She was willing to try. She was great at it.

After that we saved the painting for her, and she knew it. She would show up to each project with her paint clothes on and her beautiful smile glowing, ready and willing to do whatever we needed. She has never missed a project since that bright pink room.

Yesterday she went home to be with the Lord, and I am heartbroken. From what I understand her cancer was discovered only weeks ago…and now she is in heaven.

Life is so short.

She was loved and cherished by us, and she knew it. Hello’s and good-byes were full of hugs and smiles, and catching up from the last project was always enjoyed. She was naturally positive and incredibly kind. She was loyal to her word.  She never signed up for a shift she could not be certain she could fill, but would say, “If I have time I will be back.” She often came back.

At the open house after the Brannum project finished, she was glowing. She knew she was a huge part of the very best that the body of Christ has to offer–community, faith and action. She was right.

I am certain I don’t tell you often enough what joy you bring to our hearts when you serve with us. You matter. Mary mattered. God still moves mountains. Sometimes He chooses to do so one volunteer at a time. Mary helped us move many, many mountains.

It never occured to me she wouldn’t be at the next project. I am so, so sad.

And so, as we enter into the week of THANKSGIVING, let me say with as much heartfelt sincerity as can be communicated through a computer screen, THANK YOU. Thank you for praying and showing up. Thank you for donating your time, talent and often treasures to this adventure of serving the Lord.

I will be praying for the precious Williams family, and I will be praying for you, and I will be praying that I never let the opportunity to let you know how much you mean to the leadership of this little ministry go by without thanking you.

Life is fleeting. What we do to serve Him lasts. Mary will always be remembered for the generous heart she shared with Brighten A Corner every chance she could. I will miss her terribly.