These years have also included greater dependence on the Lord's strength, God revealing His grace in awesome ways, and God leading me step by step when I didn't know what I was doing. (Psalm 32:8) These years have further included a closer and more precious relationship with the Lord than ever before, God's faithfulness shown to me, returning and new joy in the Lord in spite of waves of grief which though smaller still hit, greater empathy for others, and new areas of service. Finally these years have included the Lord being my heavenly bridegroom (Isaiah 54:5).
It reminds me of a chorus from a hymn which says:
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to trust in Jesus,
I've learned to trust in God;
Through it all, through it all,
I've learned to depend upon His Word.
Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time for everything and everything is beautiful in it's time. It has not always felt that way but through it all the Lord has been with me. He will be with you also, dear Christian caregiver.
Sharon, I don't think I have heard that chorus since my youth group days!! The one that runs through my mind often is:
ReplyDeleteIt will be worth it all,
when we see Jesus.
Life's trials will seem so small
when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face,
all sorrow He'll erase.
So bravely run the race,
til we see Christ!
I'm still reading backwards and praying about that book!!
Thank you, Jan. Your chorus reminds me of II Corinthians 4:16-18.
ReplyDeleteDear Sharon, I was curious that you marked the 2.5 years of your husband's passing---of course each day is significant, but most of the time it's the yearly anniversaries that are noted. But to read that you're looking at the big picture helps me understand why, and now I see it's not only 2.5, it's been seven years today. What a wonderful day to proclaim God's goodness and how He you have learned so much 'through it all!' Another thing I noticed was that it's now seven years. And I'm not one to condone any sort of numerology except that the Lord wants us to learn to number our days and draw wisdom from them (which is what you do in a glorious way). But seven is a very special and significant number in God's Word, a number of God's perfection and completion. So as He blessed the seventh day and made it holy, may you continue to see the blessing, holiness, and perfect plan of this seventh year. *
ReplyDeleteWow, Ferree! I hadn't really thought of it in that way. I have always thought of my experience as more than just the widow experience, but also the whole care-giving scenario of seeing my husband decline step by step and the helpless feelings. Yet the thought of seven being the number of perfection and completion is an exciting thought!
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