A year ago today, I downloaded a devotional called Jesus
Calling to my Kindle. Today’s entry is interesting since this date has the
power to reach deep into my soul and jerk the tears right out of my eyes.
Here’s what it says…
“Open your hands and your heart to receive this day as a
precious gift from Me. I begin each day with a sunrise, announcing My radiant
Presence. By the time you rise from your bed, I have already prepared the way
before you.”
Really God? Was this day eight years ago a precious gift
from you? Did you prepare it for us before we even got out of bed that morning?
Because by 6:00 that night, my entire existence was changed. My little girl’s
life on earth came to a screeching halt as you gently lifted her off this earth
and into your presence. Great news for her, life changing, faith altering,
excruciating grief for me!
Eight years ago? Really? Can it have been that long? Or has
it been 800 years? Sometimes it feels like it was that long ago. And yet, as I
type this, the tears flow as freely as if it were yesterday. Yes, this is a
Gift of Grief kind of day.
My devotional continues… “Bring Me the gift of thanksgiving,
which opens your heart to rich communion with Me. Because I am God, from whom
all blessings flow, thankfulness is the best way to draw near Me. Sing praise
songs to Me; tell of My wondrous works. Remember that I take great delight in you; I rejoice over you with singing.”
Oh, I remember those days following this date eight years
ago. Praise and thanksgiving did not come easily. It was truly a “sacrifice of
praise” as I stood in church and attempted to sing. It’s hard to sing when
you’re choking on grief. But I did it anyway. Sometimes alone in the balcony
with my sweater pulled up over my head and tears streaming down my face. But
deep in my heart, I knew You were weeping right along with me. Those times were
indeed excruciating, but Your presence was so near. There is a special
sweetness about those times. Thanksgiving in the midst of such pain really does
open our hearts to rich communion with You.
So, again today, for the eighth time, I will offer up the
sacrifice of praise, trusting that Your Word is true… that You are who you say
You are… That You’ll do what You say You’ll do. You are my only Hope—My
Unswerving Hope.
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I would love to hear from you! Let me know what you think and how I can pray for you. Most of us are carrying some pretty heavy baggage and the good news is, you don't have to carry it alone! You can lay it at the feet of Jesus, and sometimes we need help just letting go of our baggage and not picking it up again. We're in this together!