Many of you have probably heard me story of the day my father died. It was on April 27th, over 10 years ago. My family had received news early in the day that my father had passed away during the early morning hours. It was an entire day before I had returned home from the hospital, when my husband called and asked if I had "heard God's voice" today in my daily, regular planned Bible reading (CYL DB). I hadn't stopped to spend my hour with God yet. He said, "You don't want to miss God's voice today." The last verse of the NT on April 27 (each year) reads, "And Jesus replied, 'I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise."
Be encouraged,
Becky
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O, Becky. I remember you telling that story. How timely, and how I needed to hear it tonight.
ReplyDeleteI’m sorry to report that after being faithful with the daily reading and journaling for a long time, I am continuing to struggle right now. And when I don't take the time to read God's word, I really do miss out on a blessing! April has been an especially difficult month, and I know God has been hearing my prayers even though I have not been writing them down. . . .
On the first day of spring break, I learned that another close friend was back in the hospital. Since Monday is the night I lead a WW meeting, my first thought was that I would visit her on Tuesday; nevertheless, after the meeting ended, I felt compelled to head straight to the hospital. I’m certain that God was leading me that night, for despite her pain, Nancy recognized me immediately, and we were able to have a good talk that night. When I came home, I immediately sent a few e-mails to some of our other friends, and they were also able to see her one last time before she passed away on Good Friday. That afternoon I also learned that the wife of one of our teachers, a man who has taught PE at Arundel nearly as long as I have, had also lost her battle with breast cancer.
Two nights ago, I went back to the funeral home where my friend Cathy was, and there in the very same room was Nancy, who leaves behind a 95-year-old mother. I was amazed at the faith and strength of this precious woman, who has now outlived her husband, her son-in-law, and her only child. Just like Nancy, who always seemed to put others before herself, Mrs. Gardner immediately called me over to her, asked me to sit with her for awhile, and spoke with such grace and candor that I left there feeling better than when I had entered the room.
After school yesterday, I stopped by the funeral home where Nick and his children were receiving visitors. So many people I had taught with years ago were there that I know the family felt a true outpouring of love from everyone.
Today, at the very same time that many of the members of the PE department attended the service for Nick’s wife, I went to Nancy’s funeral, which was a beautiful celebration of a life well-lived and an assurance of God’s promises for a better life to come. Once again, I was amazed by Nancy’s mother’s calmness and strength of spirit and deeply touched by the pastor’s kind words to her: “Helen, we will take care of you. You need not worry, for we will take care of you.”
The events of these last few weeks certainly have made me pause to think about what truly is important in life. Too many times we tend to get caught up in all of life’s little frustrations, waste precious time fretting over things that don’t really matter, and try to handle everything ourselves, when all the while that still small voice is saying, “Come unto me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.”
Have a good night, everyone.
Having had your experience with so much loss does make you pause. This last week, I prayed for so many people who were going through such loss that I was in grief for them. I have a prayer taken from the celtic night prayer book that helps me. Wanda, thank you for sharing this deep loss in your life, it helps the rest of us see that God walks beside us giving us His comfort and direction. Here is the prayer:
ReplyDeleteWalking With Grief
Do not hurry
as you walk with grief;
it does not help the journey.
Walk slowly,
pausing often:
do not hurry
as you walk with grief.
Be not disturbed
by memories that come unbidden.
Swiftly forgive;
and let Christ speak for you
unspoken words.
Unfinished conversation
will be resolved in Him.
Be not disturbed.
Be gentle with the one
who walks with grief.
If it is you,
Be gentle with yourself.
Swiftly forgive;
walk slowly,
pausing often.
Take time, be gentle
as you walk with grief.
Robbie and Wanda, thank you for your encouragment that is expressed through your walk. This has been a tough spring. I lost my dearest Aunt in March and just a week later later a dear friend and just last week my childhood friend lost her father. Robbie, thank you for the prayer.
ReplyDeleteThrough it all I am still staying in God's word finding the hope of a better life and was so encouraged to read through the passion story during this time.
7/7
God's blessings.
Week 17: 7 of 7 and 119 of 119
ReplyDeleteThank you Becky for reminding us how to hear God's voice in the daily readings. The story about your reading on the day your father died always moves me.
Thank you Wanda for sharing how you comfort those arround you. Your words of and your thoughtful gestures helped me surround an employee who lost her mother.
Yes, I am reading God's word and listening for his voice...2 hard hitting deaths for me this week. Hang on to the knot God's word makes for me as I swing on the rope of my life.
ReplyDeleteI dont know the total number, but I have read every day.
7 for 7 again as of FRiday.
ReplyDeleteWanted to say I am sorry for all the losses some of you have endured lately.
May God bless and comfort each one.
Laura.
Thanks you all for your kind words and support. Robbie, that prayer is beautiful--just perfect to share with those who are grieving the recent losses. Lorraine, you spoke of reading the passion story and finding hope there. Although there is never an "easy" or "right" time to lose someone, I can't think of a time when God's promises are more evident that at this time of year. Paige, what a vivid picture you paint! I believe many of us in this group have felt ourselves hanging onto that "knot" as we "swing on the rope" of our lives. It is both comforting and reassuring to be able to share our struggles with other like-minded people.
ReplyDeleteMay this new month bring many blessings to all of you!