Updated: Dec 28, 2021
Over the course of Jason’s journey with pancreatic cancer, we have talked as a family about Jason being like an astronaut and that one day he would “blast off” this earth to explore a big, vast universe of God's Spirit.
We are getting close to Jason's “blast off” from this temporal life to his eternal one. The boys and I couldn't be happier that Jason is getting ready to experience God's presence all of the time.
Just two weeks ago, we watched a documentary together about Mission Control and the Apollo missions to space. There is a moment in the movie that talks about Apollo 8 and the first time astronauts had orbited the moon and saw the earth. It was Christmas Eve in 1968. As we watched the clip, Jason cried.
I know Jason. More than anything (more than life itself) Jason loves God. It gives me no greater joy than to see my husband, partner, and best friend drawer closer to the day that he will live with God forever. Jason told me the other day, "No sadness." And while I can feel moments that I will miss him, I truly do feel happy and content about the incredible life, love and deep connection in God that we have.
Today we talked to the boys and told them that the time for their dad to "blast off" on his eternal mission is close.
Timothy said, “I know what I want for Christmas. I don’t want a game or a special thing, I just want a deeper connection to God. And I know my dad is going to see Him.”
Jonathan said, “I can feel like it’s what my dad would want. He wouldn’t want anything else right now. He would just want to be with God.”
So on this Christmas Eve 2021, I want to share with you what those astronauts said in 1968 as they saw the earth come into view and took this picture.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”
I know that Jason will soon be in the light. And that is good.
Tonight, I want to echo the words of the astronauts of Apollo 8.
"We close with good night, good luck, a Merry Christmas, and God bless all of you—all of you on the good Earth."
Update on Jason:
Jason isn't feeling the best, but he is on the way home from the hospital. He has an incredible care team at home with Laura Wilson Makaroff and Jason Armstrong.
Last week Jason wrote this post for us to share. We thought today was the right day to send it out.
FROM JASON:
"There is a song called 'Signs and Traces' that reminds me that God leaves signs and traces of His love for us.
A purple flower on the side of the road.
I want to leave signs and traces for my kids to know I love them when I am gone. We go through life not really understanding that God is always in control directing everything. He is always doing miracles every day but we miss them. We think it’s us or that it’s just the way things go. But then He allows something unexpected to happen and we see it as a miracle because it wasn’t what we were expecting to see happen.
Maybe we expected the worst and we’re pleasantly surprised by a different outcome. Signs and traces that He is there!"
JMak's Dream Team wanted to send a little update on Jason. After a bile duct stent replacement on Monday, Jason had some complications and is in the hospital.
He is in good hands at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital along with his wife Laura Wilson Makaroff and brother-in-law Jason Armstrong.
Jason has been faithful to share each and every step of his journey. He knows that part of the purpose of his diagnosis is to share his story. The past couple of months have had more physical challenges, but as the physical challenges have increased Jason is also gaining greater peace and joy on the inside. It is something that is, "out of this world." For those of you that know Jason personally, you know that he is truly one-of-a-kind.
One of the things that encourages Jason on the harder physical days is knowing that his story is being used to inspire others. He loves reading the comments and posts about how his stories and podcasts impact others.
If you haven't had a chance, take a few minutes to listen to his newest podcast with him and Laura. It is an early Christmas gift that you do not want to miss.
