49 days seems like a short period of time....unless you have lost someone you love. 49 days then becomes somewhat of an eternity and never has an end in sight. I am awestruck by those who have journeyed through such an undertaking. Losing a child, a mom, a dad, a best friend, a sibling..
The real test is not in the moment, but in the many countless moments that follow. Every day of new beginnings that doesn't include that special someone. Each event that comes and goes without seeing joy on that sweet face or hearing it in their voice. Where do we go from here? It has been said that time heals all wounds, but some wounds are deep in our souls and cannot simply be stitched back together by moving on. Moving on just does not seem possible.
Abiding becomes the only option we have. Abiding in the One and Only. Abiding in His Everlasting Arms. Trusting Him to carry us when we cannot move on. Knowing that He will do what He has always said He would do. Resting in His promises. Believing that He loves more than we can ever even understand. Being assured that we will see our loved ones again. That is what faith is. Oh that my faith would be made whole. Oh that I would trust in what I know is the truth.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
I rest in His Word. I trust in His promise. I believe in His truth.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
We have all heard the old sayings "out of the mouths of babes" or "kids say the darndest things" or even "we can learn so much from our children". How much do we actually think before we say something?
In June of this past year the pastor of my parent's church died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. It was a real struggle for that small and very close knit community. At the time, Kelly, my niece, explained to her two children how it was okay to be sad. Everyone was sad and everyone questioned why something like that had to happen to such a wonderful and loving man. My great-niece replied simply, "I know it is okay to be a little sad, but after all, isn't heaven our ultimate goal?" Well...yes it is and she realized that goal this past Sunday evening when she went home to be with The Lord and her pastor, Clarence:)
On December 23rd, our sweet Lauren, 13 years young died from apparent complications from asthma. Her amazing blue eyes could literally light up a room, but it was her sweet and giving spirit that stood out most of all. She was the most unselfish little girl that will probably ever cross my path. If she had something that anyone needed or even simply wanted, she would willingly offer it up. In life she touched so many others and even in death she gave a better life to others through organ donation.
As unfair as all of this seems in my head, in my heart I know she is at peace safe in the arms of Jesus right now. Lauren will be missed by all of us and not a day will go by that we won't wish we could see her sweet face, but one day we will. One day we will enjoy that beautiful smile and those eyes that seemingly were the window to her soul. We are thankful for 13 years but saddened that 13 years went by so quickly.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers this past week. Although we will never get "over" our loss, my family has begun the long journey of healing from this chapter in our lives. I am so thankful that I have such amazing friends to hold me up when I struggle to stand strong.
In June of this past year the pastor of my parent's church died suddenly of a brain aneurysm. It was a real struggle for that small and very close knit community. At the time, Kelly, my niece, explained to her two children how it was okay to be sad. Everyone was sad and everyone questioned why something like that had to happen to such a wonderful and loving man. My great-niece replied simply, "I know it is okay to be a little sad, but after all, isn't heaven our ultimate goal?" Well...yes it is and she realized that goal this past Sunday evening when she went home to be with The Lord and her pastor, Clarence:)
On December 23rd, our sweet Lauren, 13 years young died from apparent complications from asthma. Her amazing blue eyes could literally light up a room, but it was her sweet and giving spirit that stood out most of all. She was the most unselfish little girl that will probably ever cross my path. If she had something that anyone needed or even simply wanted, she would willingly offer it up. In life she touched so many others and even in death she gave a better life to others through organ donation.
As unfair as all of this seems in my head, in my heart I know she is at peace safe in the arms of Jesus right now. Lauren will be missed by all of us and not a day will go by that we won't wish we could see her sweet face, but one day we will. One day we will enjoy that beautiful smile and those eyes that seemingly were the window to her soul. We are thankful for 13 years but saddened that 13 years went by so quickly.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers this past week. Although we will never get "over" our loss, my family has begun the long journey of healing from this chapter in our lives. I am so thankful that I have such amazing friends to hold me up when I struggle to stand strong.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Cruise 2012
I hope that when I am 80 years old I am half as willing to put myself out there as my mom is. On September the 23rd my three sisters and I took our mom on a 4 day Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas. It was glorious. Sunny, calm and restful. Well...if you don't count the last night at sea when everyone on the ship became terribly dizzy and sea sick. One out of four days isn't too bad though.
We started off in two different cities...me from Dulles, Virginia, and the rest of the travelers flew out of Charleston, WV. Now that sound simple enough. Just fly to Orlando and meet up with our driver and off we go. Not so fast. Their first flight out of Charleston was cancelled. Then they were rerouted through Charlotte, NC. No problem. Then another email came that bumped them back a few hours and put them into Orlando at a ridiculous time and there was no way to make the cruise. They ended up flying down a whole day early just to make the ship. Disaster averted:) I met them on Sunday morning in Orlando and we were off.
Our driver picked me up at the airport sidestepping the 7000 Disney travelers and we drove a few minutes to pick up everyone else. A mere hour later we were boarding the ship in Port Canaveral and ready to begin our adventure.
Now...being the seasoned traveler I am, I suggested that just for safety sake everyone take something for sea sickness. No one listened until it was obvious at dinner the first night that EVERYONE needed it! From then on we were all heavily drugged with dramamine. No more issues (until the last night when we would have to have been knocked out to not suffer).
Our first port of departure was Freeport, Bahamas. Sunny and wonderfully charming. We had a wonderful day of shopping, sight-seeing, and just being together. I have to say that the being together, the 5 of us, was by far the best part of all. If we weren't off the ship then we were in one of our two rooms laughing, talking, or just figuring out what to do or eat next. The only time we were at sea was at night which was helpful for my never ending bout of motion sickness that medication simply dulls but never eliminates.
I have to say that this is the first time all of us have traveled together sans husbands and children. We had so much down time and enjoyed all of our meals leisurely. I don't know why it took us so long to come up with this idea....remember I said earlier that our mom is 80, but we have determined to make it a yearly event (not cruising but going on a trip) as long as it is physically and financially possible.
Next port was Nassau, Bahamas. Another beautiful place with so much to enjoy. We went on a horse and carriage ride through historic Nassau. I was afraid our horses might collapse from exhaustion but they seemed to hold up amazingly well. We shopped for our shirts that mom wanted for our photo and determined that she was still and always will be the boss of us:)
I cannot wait to see where next years adventure will take us but I promise that there will be more fashion friendly attire and many smiles to brighten our days. We are so thankful that God has blessed us with such a wonderful mom to enjoy. She was such a trooper and willing to do anything and everything we suggested. Life is good!
It all comes down to this...I love my mom and my sisters to the moon and back!
We started off in two different cities...me from Dulles, Virginia, and the rest of the travelers flew out of Charleston, WV. Now that sound simple enough. Just fly to Orlando and meet up with our driver and off we go. Not so fast. Their first flight out of Charleston was cancelled. Then they were rerouted through Charlotte, NC. No problem. Then another email came that bumped them back a few hours and put them into Orlando at a ridiculous time and there was no way to make the cruise. They ended up flying down a whole day early just to make the ship. Disaster averted:) I met them on Sunday morning in Orlando and we were off.
Our driver picked me up at the airport sidestepping the 7000 Disney travelers and we drove a few minutes to pick up everyone else. A mere hour later we were boarding the ship in Port Canaveral and ready to begin our adventure.
Now...being the seasoned traveler I am, I suggested that just for safety sake everyone take something for sea sickness. No one listened until it was obvious at dinner the first night that EVERYONE needed it! From then on we were all heavily drugged with dramamine. No more issues (until the last night when we would have to have been knocked out to not suffer).
Our first port of departure was Freeport, Bahamas. Sunny and wonderfully charming. We had a wonderful day of shopping, sight-seeing, and just being together. I have to say that the being together, the 5 of us, was by far the best part of all. If we weren't off the ship then we were in one of our two rooms laughing, talking, or just figuring out what to do or eat next. The only time we were at sea was at night which was helpful for my never ending bout of motion sickness that medication simply dulls but never eliminates.
I have to say that this is the first time all of us have traveled together sans husbands and children. We had so much down time and enjoyed all of our meals leisurely. I don't know why it took us so long to come up with this idea....remember I said earlier that our mom is 80, but we have determined to make it a yearly event (not cruising but going on a trip) as long as it is physically and financially possible.
I cannot wait to see where next years adventure will take us but I promise that there will be more fashion friendly attire and many smiles to brighten our days. We are so thankful that God has blessed us with such a wonderful mom to enjoy. She was such a trooper and willing to do anything and everything we suggested. Life is good!
It all comes down to this...I love my mom and my sisters to the moon and back!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Vacation plus one
Two weeks on the beach. Who could ask for more, right? I really had a relaxing time on my vacation this year thanks to my generous and thoughtful husband. He suggested that I take a week before the rest of our crew came down to Myrtle Beach and our rented beachfront house and just get a small condo to enjoy some extra time away. Of course, I jumped on that.
On Monday the 20th of August, Emily, Asher, Lucy and I decided to make our way south. (we chose not to fight the weekend traffic) Before we even got on 95, Lucy had already had a bout of carsickness because we had failed to eat or drink anything by 7:30 a.m. After stopping, cleaning her up, redressing her, feeding her some ritz (circle) crackers and promising Chick Fil-a soon, we were truly on our way. (thankfully, Emily was driving since it is usually my car that one of the grandchildren decides to douse with some bodily fluid on every trip)
Our first week was complete with rain, rain and a little more rain. The kids never complained. We took them on the first rain filled day to the Ripley's Aquarium only to find that the entire vacationing population had chosen the same place to spend the day. After standing in line for about 30 minutes and purchasing our tickets.....the sun proceeded to come out and shine like it had to. Even that wasn't going to dampen our spirits. We went in...saw the sharks, soft shell crabs, some saw fish (no idea what it was called) cut in half and devour another fish in the tank, and then spend too much money in the gift shop before we headed back to the condo. That day was probable the only real sun we saw for the first week. Every day was either completely overcast or rainy. Still Asher and Lucy ran in the water and played in the sand every single day for hours. It really was a relaxing week.
On Saturday morning we checked out of the condo and headed a little further north to our rented beach house. Since we couldn't check in until 3:00, we decided to just park at the public access and spend the day at the beach waiting for everyone else to arrive. Now is probably a good time to let you know that the temperature at the time we loaded the car...67 degrees. Not really beach weather. Cloudy and overcast despite the weather man assuring us that it was going to be a wonderfully warm and sunny day. Finally about noon things started looking up and we had a glorious day at the beach. However, remember that check in time? Well that simply did not happen. Everyone arrived by 5:30 and we still had no access to the house. We were sitting on the porch with all of the mosquitoes waiting for the cleaning crew to finish and give us the go ahead to begin our vacation. (that coincidentally happened at around 6:15)
Sunday and Monday brought more cloudy days with peaks of sunshine but the children were completely content digging and running on the beach in and out of the waves. It was so nice to be there all together and have the kids all love the water and the sand. Trust me, it hasn't always been that way. Lucy was probably the one who seemed to be the most fearless in the waves. She would get rolled 2 or 3 times before Emily and I could reach her even though one of us was standing right there. Every single time she would pop up and be giggling and rushing right back in. We had so much fun watching all of them enjoy the beach each in their own way and together.
By Tuesday, the rain came back in full force just in time for the guys to head out for a round of golf. Boo to that! We just let the kids play indoors and finally around noon or so it cleared enough to go out to the beach for a while. The rest of the week was warm and overcast with peaks of sun. We didn't even care. The humidity was low, there was a breeze, we were all on the beach together, no one was crying because they were too hot. GLORIOUS! On Friday, our last day, the sun came out and gave us the best day of the two weeks. All day long we enjoyed time on the beach. No one even wanted to come in. It was simply perfect!
One week is not long enough. Two weeks might be close. But I am thinking that next year I 'll just spend a month at the beach and get my fill.
It all comes down to this...spending time with family is something that can never be overdone:)
On Monday the 20th of August, Emily, Asher, Lucy and I decided to make our way south. (we chose not to fight the weekend traffic) Before we even got on 95, Lucy had already had a bout of carsickness because we had failed to eat or drink anything by 7:30 a.m. After stopping, cleaning her up, redressing her, feeding her some ritz (circle) crackers and promising Chick Fil-a soon, we were truly on our way. (thankfully, Emily was driving since it is usually my car that one of the grandchildren decides to douse with some bodily fluid on every trip)
Our first week was complete with rain, rain and a little more rain. The kids never complained. We took them on the first rain filled day to the Ripley's Aquarium only to find that the entire vacationing population had chosen the same place to spend the day. After standing in line for about 30 minutes and purchasing our tickets.....the sun proceeded to come out and shine like it had to. Even that wasn't going to dampen our spirits. We went in...saw the sharks, soft shell crabs, some saw fish (no idea what it was called) cut in half and devour another fish in the tank, and then spend too much money in the gift shop before we headed back to the condo. That day was probable the only real sun we saw for the first week. Every day was either completely overcast or rainy. Still Asher and Lucy ran in the water and played in the sand every single day for hours. It really was a relaxing week.
On Saturday morning we checked out of the condo and headed a little further north to our rented beach house. Since we couldn't check in until 3:00, we decided to just park at the public access and spend the day at the beach waiting for everyone else to arrive. Now is probably a good time to let you know that the temperature at the time we loaded the car...67 degrees. Not really beach weather. Cloudy and overcast despite the weather man assuring us that it was going to be a wonderfully warm and sunny day. Finally about noon things started looking up and we had a glorious day at the beach. However, remember that check in time? Well that simply did not happen. Everyone arrived by 5:30 and we still had no access to the house. We were sitting on the porch with all of the mosquitoes waiting for the cleaning crew to finish and give us the go ahead to begin our vacation. (that coincidentally happened at around 6:15)
Sunday and Monday brought more cloudy days with peaks of sunshine but the children were completely content digging and running on the beach in and out of the waves. It was so nice to be there all together and have the kids all love the water and the sand. Trust me, it hasn't always been that way. Lucy was probably the one who seemed to be the most fearless in the waves. She would get rolled 2 or 3 times before Emily and I could reach her even though one of us was standing right there. Every single time she would pop up and be giggling and rushing right back in. We had so much fun watching all of them enjoy the beach each in their own way and together.
By Tuesday, the rain came back in full force just in time for the guys to head out for a round of golf. Boo to that! We just let the kids play indoors and finally around noon or so it cleared enough to go out to the beach for a while. The rest of the week was warm and overcast with peaks of sun. We didn't even care. The humidity was low, there was a breeze, we were all on the beach together, no one was crying because they were too hot. GLORIOUS! On Friday, our last day, the sun came out and gave us the best day of the two weeks. All day long we enjoyed time on the beach. No one even wanted to come in. It was simply perfect!
One week is not long enough. Two weeks might be close. But I am thinking that next year I 'll just spend a month at the beach and get my fill.
It all comes down to this...spending time with family is something that can never be overdone:)
Monday, July 30, 2012
I am going to let you all in on a little secret.....40 years is a long, long time. A couple of weekends ago I attended my 40th high school reunion. It is amazing just how much one can forget over the course of 40 years. Oh we had reunions at 10 and 20 years. I don't know what happened that we missed the 25 or 30 year one...but somehow those years simply flew off the radar and our class deemed them unimportant to celebrate.
Anyway...I have to say that I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed being there. Of course, there were still the same old crowd that hung together and had their mini reunions inside the bigger one, but for the most part, everyone seemed glad to see one another. The funny thing was that no one remembered there being a division of status at all. There isn't one now obviously, but when we were in high school...it absolutely existed. Isn't it funny how we see everything differently with adult eyes? I wish we could make our children see that we do know what we are talking about when we tell them that age changes perspective. It truly does.
I am not saying that anyone in my graduating class was discriminated against. I am not saying that anyone thought more highly of themselves. It was high school after all. We didn't know there was any difference in our status in society. We were simply a group of kids enjoying growing up together and experiencing all that life had to offer.
I was 16 years old my entire senior year of high school, and was what many would refer to as a "goody-two-shoes" girl. Never skipped a class, never smoked or drank, didn't sneak out at night...and the list could go on and on. "Goody-two-shoes"! Therefore, when I went to the aforementioned reunion many people recognized my face but didn't have many memories of me attending the parties discussed during the weekend. I grew up in a very sheltered existence. For that I am eternally grateful.
I never struggled with some of the difficulties that many of my former classmates have endured. Not because I am better but maybe because I chose a different path.
My life has been rich and full of laughter and joy. Oh, sure there have been trials but there has always been someone bigger than me to carry me through. I had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and actually making new acquaintances with people that I should probably have known 40 years ago but maybe was too intimidated and immature to even make conversation. Isn't it amazing how age changes things? I could walk up to anyone now and immerse myself in their lives.
It all comes down to this...people are people. All we are called to do is love them and share Christ with them every chance we get. I hope everyone I reconnected with at my "40th High School Reunion" knows that above all else I am a follower of Jesus. Everything else is just icing on the cake of life:)
Anyway...I have to say that I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed being there. Of course, there were still the same old crowd that hung together and had their mini reunions inside the bigger one, but for the most part, everyone seemed glad to see one another. The funny thing was that no one remembered there being a division of status at all. There isn't one now obviously, but when we were in high school...it absolutely existed. Isn't it funny how we see everything differently with adult eyes? I wish we could make our children see that we do know what we are talking about when we tell them that age changes perspective. It truly does.
I am not saying that anyone in my graduating class was discriminated against. I am not saying that anyone thought more highly of themselves. It was high school after all. We didn't know there was any difference in our status in society. We were simply a group of kids enjoying growing up together and experiencing all that life had to offer.
I was 16 years old my entire senior year of high school, and was what many would refer to as a "goody-two-shoes" girl. Never skipped a class, never smoked or drank, didn't sneak out at night...and the list could go on and on. "Goody-two-shoes"! Therefore, when I went to the aforementioned reunion many people recognized my face but didn't have many memories of me attending the parties discussed during the weekend. I grew up in a very sheltered existence. For that I am eternally grateful.
I never struggled with some of the difficulties that many of my former classmates have endured. Not because I am better but maybe because I chose a different path.
My life has been rich and full of laughter and joy. Oh, sure there have been trials but there has always been someone bigger than me to carry me through. I had a wonderful time reconnecting with old friends and actually making new acquaintances with people that I should probably have known 40 years ago but maybe was too intimidated and immature to even make conversation. Isn't it amazing how age changes things? I could walk up to anyone now and immerse myself in their lives.
It all comes down to this...people are people. All we are called to do is love them and share Christ with them every chance we get. I hope everyone I reconnected with at my "40th High School Reunion" knows that above all else I am a follower of Jesus. Everything else is just icing on the cake of life:)
Monday, July 16, 2012
Some days you can just feel the excitement building. Today was one of those days for me. Today I got to see the latest addition to our family in all "his" glory on the ultrasound. God has abundantly blessed me with such wonderful, healthy grandchildren and I am so thrilled that another little guy will come our way in December.
This story is such a wonderful testament to the amazing grace that has been bestowed on our ever growing family for the past almost 8 years. Fourteen years ago this past June, I got a phone call that would forever change my life and the lives of my family. Someone I didn't even know called me to just talk because she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her daughter knowing my relationship with the Lord suggested to her that I might be someone who could offer encouragement and support.
Thankfully I was blessed to walk with her through all that cancer could throw at us for 6 wonderful years. There were lots of hard times, doctor's appointments, MRI's, chemo treatments, radiation treatments...and the list could go on and on. I say all of that to simply acknowledge the grace of a mighty God. He carried my friend through a lot of joy and suffering during those six years. Because I grew to love her so deeply as a friend and sister in Christ, I knew that my life would somehow be changed forever. How I wasn't sure...but changed...absolutely.
Over the course of our journey and near the end of her battle, I made a promise to her that I would, as long as the Lord allowed, take care of her daughters and welcome them into our family as my own. Those two "inherited" daughters are our children in every sense of the word. I always knew that I would adopt in some way. Randy and I even embarked on that road a few times, but God continually closed each and every door. Why? Because as Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He knew all about my sweet friend and her comings and goings. He knew all that those two young ladies would need. He knew just the right family to place them in. He knew from the beginning. He orchestrated every last detail. How great is our God?
Today I saw new life on a screen. Sometimes I am sad because of all that my dear friend is missing since she went home to be with the Lord. Not today. Today I am rejoicing in all that she trusted me with. Today I am thankful that she is with a loving heavenly Father that loves her beyond what I can imagine. Today I rejoice in the reality that we are going to be a family of 15 this year. Today I am completely and totally in awe of a mighty and awesome Lord! Today I honor my friend and know that she knows how much I love and miss her everyday:)
Congratulations Anna and Kevin.
It all comes down to this...love knows no bounds.
This story is such a wonderful testament to the amazing grace that has been bestowed on our ever growing family for the past almost 8 years. Fourteen years ago this past June, I got a phone call that would forever change my life and the lives of my family. Someone I didn't even know called me to just talk because she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and her daughter knowing my relationship with the Lord suggested to her that I might be someone who could offer encouragement and support.
Thankfully I was blessed to walk with her through all that cancer could throw at us for 6 wonderful years. There were lots of hard times, doctor's appointments, MRI's, chemo treatments, radiation treatments...and the list could go on and on. I say all of that to simply acknowledge the grace of a mighty God. He carried my friend through a lot of joy and suffering during those six years. Because I grew to love her so deeply as a friend and sister in Christ, I knew that my life would somehow be changed forever. How I wasn't sure...but changed...absolutely.
Over the course of our journey and near the end of her battle, I made a promise to her that I would, as long as the Lord allowed, take care of her daughters and welcome them into our family as my own. Those two "inherited" daughters are our children in every sense of the word. I always knew that I would adopt in some way. Randy and I even embarked on that road a few times, but God continually closed each and every door. Why? Because as Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He knew all about my sweet friend and her comings and goings. He knew all that those two young ladies would need. He knew just the right family to place them in. He knew from the beginning. He orchestrated every last detail. How great is our God?
Today I saw new life on a screen. Sometimes I am sad because of all that my dear friend is missing since she went home to be with the Lord. Not today. Today I am rejoicing in all that she trusted me with. Today I am thankful that she is with a loving heavenly Father that loves her beyond what I can imagine. Today I rejoice in the reality that we are going to be a family of 15 this year. Today I am completely and totally in awe of a mighty and awesome Lord! Today I honor my friend and know that she knows how much I love and miss her everyday:)
Congratulations Anna and Kevin.
It all comes down to this...love knows no bounds.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
A Day At A Time
Ever have one (or many) days where there simply are no words to express where you are in life or what you are feeling on a particular day? That scenario has been my lot in life these past few weeks. So much happiness, suffering, loss, new life, rebirth...etc. has been a part of my daily routine and I have really struggled to put it all into words.
I know fully that my lot in life is to serve a risen Savior in any and all ways that I can. Notice I did not say that I accomplish this fete always, but I believe that I am called to continue to strive for just that goal. My absolute understanding of all that I live for eternally is just that..eternal life with my Heavenly Father. However, on this earth, I am to serve Him in and through my daily walk. I know I am rambling here, but stay with me.
In this life, we will all have struggles. This much is a promise. When we love someone, it hurts to see change come and take them away from us. If only we would stop and think, we would ultimately realize that nothing is ever really ours anyway so letting go should be a simple relinquishing. Not that simple. When we love someone, we love them deeply. Family, friends, even just a brother or sister in Christ that has crossed our path. It hurts to let them go. So many times the cliche' of "they are in a better place" is just too much to even listen to. In my mind that is absolute, but in my heart...
These past few months I have taken the time to really pray for those who are struggling with hard things in their lives. Some have lost a parent. Some are losing one. One is losing an amazing wife. Others are trying to understand letting go of their mom. So much suffering but much more grace. I am so moved by the strength God gives just when we need it. What do people do who don't know Him when they are trying to continue to live when someone they cherish has died?
I will continue to pray for miracles because I believe that God loves us enough to let us be a part of them. Not always, but sometimes. I do know that He is in control of every situation and that He is never surprised by circumstances or their outcomes. I am so thankful that He holds our future in the palm of His hand.
It all comes down to this:
2 Corinthians 12:8-12
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I know fully that my lot in life is to serve a risen Savior in any and all ways that I can. Notice I did not say that I accomplish this fete always, but I believe that I am called to continue to strive for just that goal. My absolute understanding of all that I live for eternally is just that..eternal life with my Heavenly Father. However, on this earth, I am to serve Him in and through my daily walk. I know I am rambling here, but stay with me.
In this life, we will all have struggles. This much is a promise. When we love someone, it hurts to see change come and take them away from us. If only we would stop and think, we would ultimately realize that nothing is ever really ours anyway so letting go should be a simple relinquishing. Not that simple. When we love someone, we love them deeply. Family, friends, even just a brother or sister in Christ that has crossed our path. It hurts to let them go. So many times the cliche' of "they are in a better place" is just too much to even listen to. In my mind that is absolute, but in my heart...
These past few months I have taken the time to really pray for those who are struggling with hard things in their lives. Some have lost a parent. Some are losing one. One is losing an amazing wife. Others are trying to understand letting go of their mom. So much suffering but much more grace. I am so moved by the strength God gives just when we need it. What do people do who don't know Him when they are trying to continue to live when someone they cherish has died?
I will continue to pray for miracles because I believe that God loves us enough to let us be a part of them. Not always, but sometimes. I do know that He is in control of every situation and that He is never surprised by circumstances or their outcomes. I am so thankful that He holds our future in the palm of His hand.
It all comes down to this:
2 Corinthians 12:8-12
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
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