It's February already. Where did January go? Mother used to tell me time went faster as you grew older, and I believe her. As a child, Christmas, birthdays, and holidays seemed so far away. Now even children say school just began, it's time for Fall, Christmas, Spring and Easter breaks, and then another summer vacation. Yet February is such a dark cold month, and I believe we've had our share of ice and snow this year. I'm so grateful we are not in areas where they have had so much more. My heart goes out to them, but I usually feel cold. Yet Puxatawney Phil tells us we're to have an early Spring. I pray he's right.
I read a sweet story of a dad and his little guy playing a game of "Hide and Seek" in the dark. When the boy found his Dad, he called out, "I Found You, Dad" when all the time his Dad was waiting for his little guy to find him to run and hide in his warm loving arms. Isn't that just like our God when it seems dark and He seems so far away? Yet, as we seek Him, his Word tells us we will find Him. When we do, his big arms are there waiting to embrace and fill us - and we realize He was there all the time just waiting for us to come to Him. We must remember He's a gentleman and never forces us; He quietly waits for us to come to Him.
I often recall when days seems to grow dark so quickly and nights seem long, when I'd get into a plane on a dark cloudy day. As the plane rose, we'd go through the clouds, and soon there was the glorious sun shining in all its glory. So we also find God in the clouds. Psalm 97:2 says: "Clouds and darkness are round about Him." We are simply unable to feel or see His Presence, but because of His faithful word to us, He is there.
As this cold winter seems so long, yet is passing quickly by, I remember the phrase in the Bible I often see, "It came to pass". It is not here to stay. So our sad times seem very heavy on our hearts; yet God says there is "A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, a time to pluck what is planted; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance" (Eccl. 3:2, 4).
My Pastor Son Joel called last evening; he also works as a Counselor at a prison in KS. The previous evening he'd wished his fellow-counselor a safe evening as they left work, and headed home to his family. He had not gone far when he saw rescue vehicles racing toward him, and learned yesterday morning that his friend Rick was killed as he drove not far behind Joel. A car turned into a road without looking or seeing Rick's car and overturned it, and it is believed he was killed instantly. The Prison staff and inmates were in shock because Rick was a highly respected 25 year State employee, a single dad to his 16-year old daughter, whom he supported at her games and school activities. My son was shaken, as he'd passed that way a short time earlier, and the loss of his friend and co-worker was a shocking and grieving experience.
Time is short, and I know all of you relate with the loss of a loved one, and I ask you to join me in prayer for that young lady and all who are grieving this man's loss. We too know death often comes suddenly when we least expect it is near for one close to us. Let's cherish our loved ones, friends and families and be grateful for what we have, not for what we lost. For those of you who have not read previous blogs, one of my favorite scriptures has been:
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.
My love and prayers are with each of you that you will find the loving comfort only our Gracious God, Savior, Redeemer and His Blessed Holy Spirit can give us as we walk through our dark valleys. I also pray the possible ice and snow predicted this week will again be rain so we may enjoy our Widow's Might meeting together this coming Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 in the Prayer Room of Calvary Assembly.
Be encouraged and blessed. You are greatly loved, and I look forward to seeing you.
In Christ's love and mine,
Dee
