 Photo by RDNE Stock project at Pexels 2022 was a very hard year for my family. Not only did my family lose my mom but a couple months after that we found out my father-in-law had advanced brain and lung cancer. He tried treatment and fought valiantly but the cancer was very aggressive. We were very blessed to get a bed for him in hospice, where he received excellent care just ahead of the Christmas season. Every day, I would go into work, work a full day and then go see him every night. As I was fearful each and every day was the day he would pass, I dared not to miss a day for one more goodbye or hug. Dealing with impending loss of this magnitude day after really takes its toll.  This is me all tucked in at my dad's house. I remember one particular day, I just couldn't take it any more. I was at work and realized that I needed to leave as soon as possible. I just couldn't be there. I was at the end of myself, emotionally, mentally and physically and I needed to be anywhere but at school. I called in a supply teacher and as I was leaving the building, I realized I did not have a car that day. What was I to do? The answer was simple. Call my dad. Dad answered with his faithful "Hi Babe, What's up?" I was a mess and told Dad he needed to "come get me immediately and take me home. I had had it." Dad replied as he ALWAYS does "Be RIGHT there." Dad was very concerned and decided to take me to his house. He followed my lead and felt that what I needed more was rest than to chat. You see that is what a good father does. He never lets his kids down. He knows what they need. Dad had a brand new comfy recliner chair and he suggested that would be a perfect spot for me to find respite. He tucked me in with warm blankets and told me to simply rest as long as I needed and enjoy the peace and quiet. I cried and thanked him for everything as he was so intuitive and empathetic. I felt so loved. He knew exactly what I needed at that moment. It is a very special memory for me of what a loving dad does when his kid is hurting.  In Proverbs 18:10 is says The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous run into it and they are safe. (MEV) Just like the way my dad came to my rescue, our Heavenly Father is ready and waiting to come to us when we need Him. We just have to take that first step like I did with my earthly father. I reached out to him and asked for his help. Our God is never too busy to lend a hand, hear us out, provide us with a safe space to unwind or a soft place to land and just feel protected by his incredible love. Jesus is a friend that I would truly be lost without. He has rescued me time and time again. I find solace in His presence, rest when I am weary and unconditional love whenever I need it. It is a very sweet arrangement that He has offered to me and all of us who are Christ followers. When we come to the end of ourselves, His Holy Spirit gently encourages us and gives us the strength we need to carry on and face another day. Perhaps you are at the end of yourself today. Life has hit you hard. I know how that feels. It is a scary and lonely place to be. You can't breathe and you need an escape. Please know that you have a Heavenly Father who is waiting in the wings for you. He is concerned about you and loves you so, so much. Won't you run to Him? He will welcome you with open arms and He is ready to make your life so much better than you ever thought possible. Tuck that in your heart today ❤️and repeat this prayer below if you would like to become a follower of Jesus and know the feeling of resting in His presence when life just becomes too much. Dear Jesus, I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that you are God and are able to forgive me of my sins. I ask you to forgive me of my sins and become my personal saviour. Come into my heart and change me into the person I am meant to be. Help me to live for you from this day forward. Thank you for coming into my life. In Jesus's name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Dana
Tags: Father's love, fathers, dads, parenting, God's forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness of sins, salvation in Christ, sinner's prayerCopyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana (Dana Romualdi)
4 Comments
 Photo by Pixabay I have walked some really dark roads these past few years. I lost my mother-in-law, mom, father-in-law and my dad's fiancée in a very short period. It seemed just as we were trying to process one loss, another hit. It was heartbreaking, very painful, confusing and extremely difficult for our family. Our family was left wondering when will this end? It was a LOT to take in. We were clearly not prepared for grief and loss of this magnitude. Many of my friends are experiencing some very dark times right now as well. Words fail. Nothing I could say or do can dry their tears or heal their hearts. I feel so inadequate, but I do know how it feels to lose someone you love so much. Losing my mom has been by far the hardest for me. It is a loss that lingers and has truly left me different than I was before. I saw someone that resembled her this weekend and immediately burst into tears. Grief is like that. It brings us to our knees time and time again. Although we may feel alone, as a believer, we are never truly alone. There is hope for the broken hearted. In Psalms 34:18 it says: The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Let's unpack that together.  Photo by Christopher Sardegna on Unsplash He is close byJesus stays when others leave. He walks in when others walk out. This verse says he is close to the brokenhearted. He feels our pain and he holds our hand through it all. I have always been touched by the poem Footprints where it talks of when there was only one set of footprints, that is when he was carrying us. He isn't going anywhere. Sometimes we are surprised who is there for us during our darkest days. Those we thought we could count on sometimes let us down. That is so disappointing. Jesus will never let us down. His word says he will NEVER leave us or forsake us and that is so reassuring because during our toughest trials we need him more than ever.  He is our rescuerJesus never promised to take our hard times away. I have prayed for that time and time again in my own life, but it doesn't work that way. He rescues us but not always in the way we would like or at the time we would hope. We can run to him when our hearts are heavy or when we just can't take another loss or disappointment. In his arms we find comfort and respite from a broken world. When we spend time in his presence, we are not the same. He empowers us with his strength to carry on another day. If you do not have a relationship with Jesus, I encourage you to invite him into your life. He will be by your side like no friend you have ever known and bring you peace even in the lowest of valleys. He is as close to you as the mention of his name. If you need prayer, please do not hesitate to reach out. It would be my honour to pray for you and walk beside you during your tough times. [email protected] Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you as your word says that you are near to the broken hearted. I pray for all my dear friends who are going through times of unspeakable loss and heartbreak. Bring them comfort Lord, the comfort that only you can bring. Although they may feel alone, I pray that they will feel your presence like never before. Lift them up Lord. Hold them close. Let them know that they WILL come through this, In Jesus' name, Amen Sending you a virtual hug, Dana AuthorDana Romualdi is a Canadian elementary teacher, author, social worker, blogger and speaker. She has a passion for helping others and spreading much-needed encouragement. She lives in Canada with her husband and two grown children. When she is not working in the classroom or writing, she enjoys drinking coffee, watching Netflix and reading great books. Tags: God's peace, grief and loss, comfort in trials
Copyright: © 2024 littlelessonslearnedbydana/ walkingintheword
|
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed
