“God appeared to Joseph in a dream, warning him to go home another way." ~ Matthew 2:12-13
Was her grandma sending a warning?? For the second night in a row, Ruth had made a
guest appearance in Sandy’s dreams, speaking to her with an anxious expression. But she couldn’t decipher the message.
Up until 16 years ago, Ruth had lived with Sandy and her
family. She helped around the house and cared
for their two young children. Her health
had been excellent for a septuagenarian.
Ruth never sat still, either
baking, socializing or volunteering at the local Mom's and Toddler’s group
where she led the sing-a-long. Just
being around all those little ones gave her such energy.
Suddenly at 73, Ruth’s heart gave out in her sleep. Losing her so suddenly was a terrible shock.
Through the years, during difficult times, she comforted Sandy
in dreams, (Grandma’s are a frequent dream themes). Dreaming of her Grandma often indicated
family happiness. Once she’d heard
pleasant news regarding a family member. Other times the dream was followed by an invitation
to a wedding or some other family celebration.
More often though, the dream just brought wonderful childhood memories.
Sandy vividly remembered standing in the doorway of their home;
Ruth directly in front of her. She was
so happy to see her Grandma again. Missing
her still hurt so badly.
Ruth said something like "I know you do, but everything
will be OK". Sandy actually
recalled how warm her sweater felt against her cheek, as if she was hugging Grandma
for real.
But on this the third night in a row, alarm sounded in her
voice; as if she was worried about somebody, someone close to her, somebody
like Sandy!
The explanation came quickly: Ruth warned Sandy to seek
medical attention. She woke up
shaking. Otherwise, she felt perfectly
normal. What could be wrong? Then it dawned on her.
She woke her husband and demanded they go the ER. Better safe than sorry, he guessed, wondering
privately if they’d even admit her.
At the hospital, an echocardiogram showed a balloon-like
bulge in the heart’s aorta, that if ruptured, could quickly lead to death. That exact condition had caused Ruth’s sudden
death.
Surgery followed immediately. “You’re lucky,” the cardiac surgeon said
candidly. “Most people with this just
die in their sleep. There usually aren’t
any warning signs.”
There was for Sandy.
Many things happen that we can’t explain or understand. God’s guidance is more complicated than just
bowing our heads and asking for it. That’s
partly because He uses many different means of connecting with us. God may reach us through another person, an
image, or even through a dream. Remember
- with Him, there are no coincidences.
Loving God, thank You for the chance to
communicate with You for help, comfort and
counsel. If my dreams are an answer to
my prayers or part of a special message You have for me, help me understand
what You are trying to tell me. Amen
