"Nearing the end"Ernie at Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai, Thailand
August 24, 2008
Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12
Five months ago, my dear husband Ernie went home to heaven.
Four days before he passed away, I wrote a blog post entitled Expecting the Unexpected.
The day after we arrived from Thailand, I wrote a blog post entitled, Home Again, or New Wineskins.
In these posts, and a few others that I've written, I realize that God was giving me a message -- a message of gracious uncertainty.
I don't know what lies ahead, but He does.
When you've lived with someone for more than half of your entire lifetime,
and you've dreamed together,
entwined your visions,
worked hard at building a family,
been committed to rooting and grounding our children in faith and love and values that count for eternity,
when that someone has been loyal to you,
has believed in you,
has been your number one fan and admirer,
and you've laughed and sang and cried together...
and suddenly one day, it all ends abruptly...
how does your heart respond?
Pain, grief, and loss -- it is inevitable, and yes, it is a journey that we all will go through in our life.
But as Elisabeth Eliot says, "there is only one reliable path, and if you walk it, you will see the transformation of all your losses, heartbreaks, and tragedies into something strong and purposeful."
This path is called Faith, what one blog author called The Road of Unknowing.
And it is the narrow path that leads to God's open arms and loving embrace.
Treacherous waves, turbulence and zero visibility.
And then...
Gracious uncertainty.
Hope that doesn't disappoint.
Expecting the unexpected.
It has often been said that in this life there are no guarantees. But I must disagree.
A life of faith is not about a smooth passage, but a safe landing.
God brought the hymn I Know Whom I have believed to my heart just as I was ending this post.
What a comfort! It was one of Ernie's favorite hymns.
But I know Whom I have believed What a comfort! It was one of Ernie's favorite hymns.
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed
Unto Him against that day.
"A Glimpse of Eternity"The hills of Chiang Mai as viewed from Doi Suthep
8 comments:
Lidia,
You said "A life of faith is not about a smooth passage, but a safe landing." That was a powerful statement, and one that needs to be repeated often. Thank you for reminding all who read your blog today how much the Lord loves us and cares for us along life's path.
We are safe in the Father's arms; not always without bumps and bruises, mind you, but safe.
It is so obvious how much you miss your husband; you two were married a long time, and you were blessed by each other.
May the Lord continue to bless in all you lay your hands to do.
This was a beautiful post to read and such a blessing. My heart aches for your loss but I rejoice with you that you will see your husband again someday. Thank you for sharing these words of hope.
This is one of the mosting inspiring, touching posts I have ever read. My husband and I are very close and have been married almost 32 years. Our relationship is the same as the one you described.
You have such a beautiful walk with the Lord. Truly, His love radiates from you. Thank you for sharing your faith. It greatly inspires me.
May God bless you abundantly and grant you the desire of your heart.
In His Love,
Andrea
Maythe Lord comfort you Lidj
Sometimes I have forgotten how recent your loss is and that you are in the middle of that grief. I echo Amrita's prayer, May God's comfort trickle deep down to where you need it most today.
You have been blessed with such warm and wonderful memories. Blessings to you, dear sister.
Love, Sita
Lidia,
Oh, thank you so much for your precious comments. Again, you are such an inspiring woman. I believe you have the gift of encouraging others.
Yes, Anna is my little granddaughter. She is a sweet, precious baby. I have three other grandchildren. One boy and two girls. All are 2 years and under!
It would, indeed, be so lovely if we could sit down and sip tea and speak about the Lord. I am sure I could learn so much from your life of faith.
But I am thankful to have found your blog and treasure your frienship in Christ that we can share.
I will read you posts Given Wings. I know it will be a jewel to me.
Take care, and many blessings to you, who loves our Lord so very much.
In Christ's Love,
Andrea
After reading Given Wings, I just had to come back to tell you I was deeply moved to my soul. With teary eyes, I read about you and your husband. What a wonderful man He was. A gift from God. He sounds so much like my Jeff. So kind, always giving, forever looking out for the best for his family.
Thank you for directing me to Given Wings. It is a beautiful piece, full of such emotion, such joy and peace. It blessed my soul. God bless you.
Hey..have something for you in my last post..sisterhood...
Post a Comment