13. The Banquet

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Written Monday, September 30, 2019 / Day 49 / Morning

It was a fabulous banquet. Everyone was there. And what a location - elegant, uplifting - it was a joy to be in such an extravagant environment.

There was celebrating - rejoicing.

Even at the banquet, there were issues though. Nothing major - life is like that - problems for sure - but solutions as well.

Enjoying such an occasion with friends and family - there could not be a more incredible time.

And sharing it with the one you love more than anyone else in the world - there are not words to describe such joy.

In such an environment - even a fabulous banquet needs attention, details to be addressed, elements that remind us of all that it takes to create such an occasion. We embraced the moment - it was special beyond words.

The banquet continued longer than anyone could envision.

But for you - on that fateful day - you had to leave the banquet.

Leave the banquet and all that it meant to you.

You were right in the middle of a meal.

A sumptuous meal.

One that was outstanding in every way.

But then you had to go.

Actually, they came to inform you that you had to leave.

You saw them in the room - those who came for you - but gave them no mind - you thought - they weren’t there for you.

But they were.

And in the middle of that incredible meal, in that wonderful environment - you had to leave.

Right in the very heart of it.

Taken to a new location.

A location that was not a banquet at all.

Certainly it was adequate.

Surveying the scene - it was just what you needed.

There were elements of the banquet there - but nothing as magnificent.

Nothing as grand.

Nothing as loving and caring.

Yet in this new place, were all the elements you needed.

But the crowd was gone.

The melodic and soothing music was not present.

There was just silence.

And emptiness all around you.

And the one you love? They were not asked to leave. They had to stay. You had to leave.

But you were right in the middle of the meal. You didn’t even finish what you had in front of you.

And now, while your needs were totally being met - there was not your love with you to share it.

You were alone.

A knock on the door. A friend to inquire about how you are doing.

Wondering why you weren’t celebrating. And asking when you would resume.

You try to tell them - you had to leave the banquet. Right in the middle of it.

But they struggle to understand. They were not interrupted.

They are not alone.

But you are.

They leave - and there you are.

Longing for the banquet that you never finished. The love that was there that is now only in your heart and memory.

A lonely, sad place.

A place where you will have to find your way - with God’s help.

And find your way you will.

When it’s your time.

You will always miss where you were - but will embrace the new world at some point.

Just not today.

The banquet is still too fresh in your mind - and in your heart.

Yet the future will be there when you are ready. Only God knows when that will be.

And you trust in that as you mourn. And cry.

Grief is like that.