in her memory

Ruth Bell Graham was a beautiful, gracious woman--the kind of wife, the kind of God-follower I wish to be. I pray she "ascended slowly."

And when I die
I hope my soul ascends slowy,
so that I
may watch the earth receding
out of sight,
its vastness growing smaller
as I rise,
savoring its recession
with delight.
Anticipating joy
is itself a joy.
And joy unspeakable
and full of glory
needs more
than "in the twinkling of an eye,"
more than "in a moment."
Lord, who am I to disagree?
It's only we have much
to leave behind;
so much ... Before.
These moments
of transition
will, for me,
be time
to adore.

    - Ruth Bell Graham