The Empty Chair In A Full Life
Last weekend we celebrated my nephew’s 4th birthday. We drove to Michigan, the kids excited to see their cousins again. Vibrant colors and a fire truck theme decorated the kitchen. Family and friends filled the house. The place was buzzing with the sound of conversations, the popping of popcorn in the microwave, kids chasing each other, and a football game on TV. After singing Happy Birthday, blowing out candles and eating cake, it was present time. Conversations and football continued as we sat around and watched this excited little boy tear the wrapping off the gifts with giggles of delight at the discovery of new toys.
In the midst of that fullness of life, my brother leaned into me and whispered, “Look, no one is sitting in Dad’s chair.” Every time he came over, Dad would sit in the corner recliner. He would smile as he soaked in the busyness of life happening around him, but often said nothing unless interacting with one of the grandkids. Quiet but present. As I turned to look, sure enough, the chair was empty. It was a bit of a sacred moment for me. I don’t believe it was purposely done, but in a room full of people, that chair was left empty. I found myself glancing over to it several times, picturing Dad there and realizing that it was the first of the many, hard firsts to come as life keeps moving forward, even though so different now for us.
I think only my brother and I noticed the empty chair, and that’s okay. I consider it a reminder from God that it’s okay to feel that emptiness even in the midst of a full life. The pain of that empty chair will be felt deeply over these next months. But I was also reminded that it’s okay to enjoy a full life despite the empty chair. Even though there will inevitably be sorrow mixed with joy, birthdays and holidays are to be celebrated. Family is to be celebrated. Life is to be celebrated. Dad is reaping the rewards and inexpressible joys of abundant life in his eternal home. And it brings honor to our Heavenly Father to pursue and delight in the abundant life He has for us on this side of heaven. Sometimes the hard and holy things we endure include an empty chair in the midst of a full life.
