My husband checked out my blog yesterday and looked at me with a smile. Translation: it was good. I asked him to be my first "follower" by email so he could make sure I didn't say anything too out there. He asked if that was before or after I posted and I responded with "After!". A girl has to retain some control you know. I quickly followed it up with "I can edit something that has already been posted". He also asked how often I was going to post. I told him my hope was daily. Now, I am one of those people that is never at a loss for words. However, that doesn't necessarily mean I have something impactful to say each day. I realized, it will be an awesome responsibility to tell you how Jesus can be your source of strength and comfort each day. Some of you already know that. So I want to talk about losses. It seems that is a prominent theme for me today.
So my day begins with a breakfast date with a girlfriend. We were trying to catch up as I have been on vacation and we haven't seen each other in almost 2 weeks. We were talking about my job and various other life turns. I found out just before vacation that the company I am working for is re-structuring and my particular job is being eliminated. For me, a rather unexpected loss. We do rely on my income and the thought of looking for a new job is, well, uuuggghhhh! My girlfriend has been in the same boat for many months now. She suddenly became unemployed and has been on the hunt for some time. What have we been doing in face of unemployment, praying. Praying for opportunities to open up. Praying we would see God's will in the situation. Just simply praying.
Another girlfriend and I have been trying to set up a time for our families to get together all week. We had finally settled on Friday lunch. I texted her to check time and place and while I was away from my phone received voice mail asking me to call. When we spoke she told me her husband's grandfather had died last night. He had some health concerns, but this was unexpected. She and her family were in the car traveling to their home state. I expressed my heart felt sympathy and asked if I could do anything. She was thankful, but indicated nothing at this time. Well, I can pray. Pray for their safety as they travel a long distance. Pray for their family and the sorrow they are all feeling. Just simply pray.
As it would happen, I received a phone call from a third girlfriend while driving home. She lives in another state and we were able to get together briefly during my vacation. That is always a whirlwind time, trying to catch up on absolutely EVERYTHING that has happened since our last visit. During our time together, she told me of some health concerns she is dealing with. She was calling today to update me on the situation. Now at the moment, she has not experienced any loss. However, as she looks to the next 3-4 months, both our minds wonder about where this will go and the potential loss she may incur. So what do we do? Pray. Pray for healing, pray for understanding from her family and her employer. Just simply pray.
And finally, as I turned onto my road, I was quickly reminded of a loss our community recently suffered. You see, we live in a rural area of Virginia. In fact, the most rural place I have every lived. Our house sits up just a little on a hill and when we look out our front door and windows our view is really quite spectacular. Across the street is a rolling pasture, with large trees, a lake and cows. This land is owned by a neighboring family. When we first moved to Amherst this man was the first to wave. He could be seen riding a tractor or lawnmower or three wheeler everyday. He would be checking on the cows, mowing hay, putting out fertilizer, whatever it is you do on a farm. Over time, this man became our friend. Sadly some time ago he told us he had been diagnosed with cancer. We would see him out on one of his farm vehicles working as a farmer does and knowing he had just come back from a chemo treatment. Before long, this man started attending our church. He came to know the Lord and allowed us to use his pond for baptism. As he grew weaker and began to use a cane, he still attended to the farm. Just a month or so ago, this man went to be with the Lord. My husband and our lead pastor presided at the funeral. There were so many people present. So many who were feeling the loss. Today, it affected me. Today, his son was mowing the first year's hay. Those clean neat rows waiting to be bundled took me back to three years ago and the first time we saw him mow the field. It is really quite beautiful. With tears in my eyes, I pulled into my driveway and thought of Wally and how he is missed. So what did I do? I said a quiet pray for the Lord to take good care of him and those he left behind.
We all know losses are inevitable. Who do you turn to when they come your way? For me, it is family and friends and most importantly Jesus. If you are looking for comfort, peace, or understanding today, turn to Jesus.
In His service
Mally
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