After 2 years I actually thought this valentines day would feel different. However it only reminded me of all the many ways Tom would show his love for me. Wether it be making a dozen chocolate covered strawberries, a lush breakfast and then cooking some of my favorite foods for dinner. He never seemed to grow tired of showing his love for me or for our children. As I reflect on our marriage I can see how Jesus was there in the midst of things. No matter what was going on, he was there in the center. How could I not realize we are secure in his hands. His love never ends, and he used Tom to show me that love.
It is so true what they say about never realizing what you had until it is gone. I want so much to believe that even though we were married for 42 years we would recognize when we started to take each other for granted. Then we could stop, take a moment and begin again. To look at our life and realize how often the Lord would bless us. Like many it often took a storm to shake us enough to look up and see that we are secure in his hands. How do you manage 42 years was a question we often had asked of us, our reply was simply keeping God in the center of everything. Prayer and trusting that God’s got this was how we handled every day stresses.
So often it must have looked like we were the perfect couple, with not a worry in the world. In those times I have to give all glory to God, had it not been for our faith and trust that it would work itself out we could not have managed the many unexpected stresses life through at us. Life can be filled with many rainy, storm filled days but it is also filled with much sunshine and beauty. Sometimes when we are at our lowest, it’s then we finally look up to the heavens and seek his help. If we could always remember we are secure in his hands – just let go. I once heard a story that helped me understand this: when a child brings his broken toy to his father to fix, he stands in great anticipation waiting on his father to fix it, but then the father looks at him and says “son if you want me to fix this you have to let it go.” How many times do I take my problems or concerns to my Heavenly Father and ask him to fix it but then won’t let go.
Feeling secure in my faith doesn’t mean I am perfect. I am discovering that my faith is always growing and the more I stay in prayer, study his word and let the Holy Spirit guide me then I can become more like Christ. I am broken and still quite often the feelings can flood my being with the power of a flock of birds. It is then I turn to the things that bring me comfort and help me draw close to Jesus, music. I have a play list that is filled with songs of worship, praise and reminders of how much God loves me and how he is there for me always. Even if the songs bring about tears (as they often can) I know they are healing tears. It’s reinforcement that I am secure in his hands.
If I can learn anything from these past 2 years, it is that life is short and no matter how crazy life gets, or out of control it feels, I only need to lean toward my Heavenly Father and remind myself that in his hands I am safe, secure, loved and cared for. He will give me strength, and guide my path. So if you are hurting, feeling lost, dismayed, angry, or that life is out of control, then lean in to Jesus. Ask him to come in to your life and let go. Let go of it all, don’t hang on to it because he can’t fix it if you won’t let it go. Trust that God’s got this. I promise you he knows all about your journey and he wants to heal your broken heart.
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May God bless you and give you his peace. May you always know you are never alone.
Such a great post! So many good pointers on how to keep Christ the center and navigate through this life. “Prayer and trusting that God’s got this was how we handled every day stresses.” So important to remember this. The playlist is important too. Also remembering that no one can live this life perfectly we need to encourage one another and be there for others. I just want you to know so many times when I pray for you I always want to go get you 💐 when I read all the sweet things Tom did for you that was God loving you through him. I know God will continue to show His love to you through others. Keep writing🙏
Hi,
I found this post to really hit me. I needed to be reminded that staying focused on the lord will get me through the rough days. Dealing with the death of my spouse has been torture. Even though he was dealing with cancer and we knew time was short. It still hurts deeply when that day comes. Thank you for sharing your pain with those of us who often feel like we are in this grief alone.
Hi 👋 Renee,
SECURE IN HIS HANDS ! Yes if we are true CHRISTIAN , we should all feel secure in his hands .
If we all place GOD center stage in our every day lives and give him the LEADING ROLE in our every day lives , & BE A TRUE FOLLOWER OF OUR LORD . Then WE SHOULD FEEL SECURE IN HIS HANDS !
BLESSINGS
Joe