"For I will pour out water on the thirsty land and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants. . . "
Why didn't I see it sooner? I'm reading in one of Daddio's commentaries and noted throughout the pages faint pencil underlying. There were also scattered x's highlighting certain paragraphs. Initially, I realized that Dad always marked in fountain pen blue ink, so maybe he got this book second hand. That was until the other day, for then I saw her writing, my Mom's, in the margin of the page. Oh, that made sense, Mom would study with a pencil in hand and mark those special passages with x's. It was a reminder that I especially needed this time of year. . .
August has become a bittersweet month. It's the last month of summer, my favorite season, that I never want to say good bye to. It's a month of birthdays for young nieces and nephews, along with Mom Ruth's birthday, and other girlfriends that I have. There are also a few family wedding anniversaries. This year it even brought the joy of my son's marriage. But along with blissful events it has been a background of sorrow, mainly the passing of my parents, my husband's grandmother, my brother's major heart surgery. Particularly the dates from the 19th to the 27th, hold fond memories but stir up sadness in my heart. Not so much in that I want loved ones back in their aged states, but that I miss them dearly. I realize with each passing year how much I relied on them and their encouragement they always gave. Sometimes, I feel like the sole survivor of a massive storm, now standing on the beach with my hands outstretched trying to hold back the ocean wave before me. . .
"Where then is that sense of blessing you had?" (Galatians 4:15) Sometimes I think my view of blessing must mean smooth sailing only. When life turns out the opposite of what I hope for or what I expect, I forget I am still blessed. I'm blessed because God has chosen me as his heir, not because of circumstances, but because of my inheritance I have in Christ. Christ has given me an eternal heritage, one now that my loved ones who have died are already rejoicing in. No wonder Daddio encouraged us to read the book of Hebrews, for it's all about perseverance, staying faithful, trusting even in the blackest night, enduring through the "unknowns" and unexpected outcomes of life. Yes, it probably is even more so in these very days that God's blessing is upon us . . .
I have nothing to do with being blessed, other than having an open heart to receive it. Blessing from God is evidence of his grace and favor toward me. I cannot earn grace, I can't make it, nor can I work for it, I'll never be good enough for it. No, I'm blessed just because I am his descendant. Daddio prayed that blessing for his children throughout his life, I was blessed by the faithful prayers of Mom and Dad. I'll always have that blessing to hold onto, even in these days of storms, winds, and waves . . .
August has become a bittersweet month. It's the last month of summer, my favorite season, that I never want to say good bye to. It's a month of birthdays for young nieces and nephews, along with Mom Ruth's birthday, and other girlfriends that I have. There are also a few family wedding anniversaries. This year it even brought the joy of my son's marriage. But along with blissful events it has been a background of sorrow, mainly the passing of my parents, my husband's grandmother, my brother's major heart surgery. Particularly the dates from the 19th to the 27th, hold fond memories but stir up sadness in my heart. Not so much in that I want loved ones back in their aged states, but that I miss them dearly. I realize with each passing year how much I relied on them and their encouragement they always gave. Sometimes, I feel like the sole survivor of a massive storm, now standing on the beach with my hands outstretched trying to hold back the ocean wave before me. . .
"Where then is that sense of blessing you had?" (Galatians 4:15) Sometimes I think my view of blessing must mean smooth sailing only. When life turns out the opposite of what I hope for or what I expect, I forget I am still blessed. I'm blessed because God has chosen me as his heir, not because of circumstances, but because of my inheritance I have in Christ. Christ has given me an eternal heritage, one now that my loved ones who have died are already rejoicing in. No wonder Daddio encouraged us to read the book of Hebrews, for it's all about perseverance, staying faithful, trusting even in the blackest night, enduring through the "unknowns" and unexpected outcomes of life. Yes, it probably is even more so in these very days that God's blessing is upon us . . .
I have nothing to do with being blessed, other than having an open heart to receive it. Blessing from God is evidence of his grace and favor toward me. I cannot earn grace, I can't make it, nor can I work for it, I'll never be good enough for it. No, I'm blessed just because I am his descendant. Daddio prayed that blessing for his children throughout his life, I was blessed by the faithful prayers of Mom and Dad. I'll always have that blessing to hold onto, even in these days of storms, winds, and waves . . .
" . . . The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me? Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the outcome of their way of life, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, yes and forever."
(Hebrews 13: 6-8)
(Hebrews 13: 6-8)
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