Dear Friends,
Recently while in Florida visiting my son, Brian, and his family, he had a great idea to get up early and head to the beach to catch the sunrise. He packed our coffee, Crumble Cookies, lawn chairs and Bible fitting them all nice and neat into the golf cart. Off we headed to the beach at 6:15 a.m.
There is nothing like watching the roar of the ocean waves with a good cup of coffee! As we sat there, we are both in awe of the majesty and beauty representing God and his creation. God is big enough to oversee the entire world and loving enough to care about each person. That still amazes me. In part of our conversation, we talked about the sadness and loss of our beloved father and husband & even though we know we will see him again in heaven the struggle is still real for us here. It is comforting to know that heaven is eternal and since heaven is a prepared place for those who are prepared, we plan to be a part of it. I believe knowing that helps us realize that we will be with our loved ones far longer in heaven than we have been here on earth with them. There are only two thoughts that I was reminded about that get us through this painful time:
1. Focus on God’s word and his promises that he will not leave nor forsake us. (Deut. 31:6).
2. To live with a grateful heart. When we reflect on blessings it changes our attitude. Gratitude can help get us through the rough spots.
Jesus talked about this in Luke 17:11-19. He sent 10 lepers to the priest to be officially healed of leprosy. They had the faith to go and be cleansed but only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. It’s not a good ratio if 9 out of 10 people have an attitude of ingratitude. Our lives are all mixed with joy & happiness but also pain & sorrow. None of us are exempt. Apostle Paul tells us to give thanks even in all our circumstance (I Thes. 5:18). When you are looking for blessings, you really don’t have to look very far, they are all around us.
Psalm 148: 3-5 gives us good reasons.
The best kind of people are the ones who come into your life and make you see the sun where you once saw clouds. The people that believe in you so much that you start to believe in you too! The people that love you simply for being you! These are once in a lifetime people, and I hope we can be in that for each other. Here’s the truth: The sun will rise and set everyday no matter what is going on in our lives. “From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised.” Psalm 113:3
- Keep Calm & Carry On-
By the way as we were just finishing up our coffee and the sun had risen all the sudden a huge front loader came up behind us on the beach and we had to give a big smile to each other commenting that Pat always was one to be a part of something with loud motors. And since we couldn’t see the actual driver, we just let our imagination take over. 😊
Have a blessed weekend!
Sharon
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