Seeing through your heart…
There comes a point in life when your eyes are truly opened and you begin to see everything around you differently. It may be a tragic loss of a child, like it was for us. It may be news of an illness, loss of a spouse, a job, a divorce, or a multitude of other circumstances that we just were not expecting. Of course, it is human nature to think we are in control of our lives. Suddenly something negative happens and our lives seem to spin out of control. They spin so fast you feel dizzy. This is when you realize you have a choice in how you respond to it! When a multitude of mountains rise up in front of you, know that light can only shine in darkness.
For years I studied, worked hard, made mistakes, had heart breaks, and successes, yet I could always find something that just wasn’t right. It just wasn’t good enough. Possibly it didn’t make me happy or content and just that one more thing in my life would make it complete. You know those words, if only…
Today was the second year without our son for Thanksgiving. He was killed in a tragic accident at age 19. The first year without him was a fog. Not just the holidays, but everyday, we were missing a special part of our lives and hearts. A chair sat empty. As dinner was prepared this year, we gathered around to express what we were thankful for. The pain of his absence remains. His seat was filled with more family, yet he was not forgotten. As his parents, we spoke this morning of how dearly he was loved and missed. We laughed about the funny things he had done. We spoke about how we were surrounded by love and people that first year and how differently this year has been and then just silently moved forward. Death is fleeting for so many. Others can move on smiling because they knew him and how he touched their lives in special ways. As his parents, we know that the love and memories endure time. We also know how raw the pain of his loss can be, day after day, year after year.
We now realize how little we need and how control is clearly something not handled by us, but God. We see issues that we saw before as traumatic, and smile. If only we knew then what we know now. Loss is loss, yet losing a child is said to be every parents worst nightmare. Pray fervently for your family, our nation and those you love. If you are stressed due to worry, turn it over to God. I pray you feel peace. It can happen, even with a great loss such as a child. Today and everyday, find what you are grateful for speak it in a prayer of thanksgiving to the One that is truly in control. Tell your loved ones how much and why you love them. Make amends to broken relationships. Do not be angry, for He has a plan. His plan may not be your idea or hope. I’ve learned that His plan, unknown to us, is perfect. Each time loss strikes, look for growth. Pray for peace that may heal your heart. Look Up to HIM, be happy and know that He will not fail you. Where there is hardship, he brings strength. Happy Thanksgiving! MamaC
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. Jeremiah 29:11.
Photo: Connor, never forgotten, always in our hearts.
