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“I don’t pick up the mail, I don’t pick up the phone. I don’t answer the door; I’d just as soon be alone.
I don’t keep this place up, I just keep the lights down; I don’t live in these rooms, I just rattle around. I’m just a ghost in this house. I’m just a shadow upon these walls; as quietly as a mouse, I haunt these halls. I’m just a whisper of smoke. I’m all that’s left of two hearts on fire that once burned out of control and took my body and soul, I’m just a ghost in this house. I don’t mind if it rains, I don’t care if it’s clear, I don’t mind staying in, there’s another ghost here. She sits down in your chair, and she shines with your light, And she lays down her head on your pillow at night. I’m just a ghost in this house.” (Shenandoah, “Ghost In This House”)

I have visited with many widows and widowers over my lifetime due to the responsibilities I have had in my church. As a home health care nurse, my wife has visited with hundreds of men and women who have been separated from their beloved spouses. The pain of it all! I recall a conversation I had with my Dad shortly after my Mother died. He had experienced death on many levels, including the loss of two of his children, siblings, parents, friends, and grandchildren. But as we sat together a day after his wife and my Mother died, he said, “Nothing compares to the death of your spouse!” His pain was so intense that I couldn’t help but ache inside for his loss, and I was going through my own pain at the time. For many, they become a living ‘ghost.’ Yearning for the company, companionship, and love of the one they most cherish.

As I have aged, the words sung by Shenandoah take on a more significant meaning. Separation becomes more of a reality, which brings such sadness. The other day, when I listened to this song, I couldn’t hold back the tears. I was driving alone, but the palpable nature and reality of separation from my wife was crushing.

My hope; all our hope lies in the reality of the resurrection of one Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World! Through Him and by Him lies the balm of healing that all will eventually need. I don’t want to be a ‘ghost in my house!’ I don’t want to be a ‘whisper of smoke!’ If my wife dies before I do, it will not be the end of our ‘hearts that once burned out of control!’ Because I believe in the power of the Savior to reunite me to all of my loved ones! His promise of “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

So let us hold onto this promise and let not our hearts be troubled or afraid. His redemption is real!