Recently I posted that I would not be blogging on holidays. Today is the birthday of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King. I did make an exception for today for a special reason. Today is also the birthday of my oldest granddaughter Ariana Jane.
In 2012 my husband, myself and our family went through the most painful experience we had ever encountered. Our youngest son Zachariah had passed from this world into his heavenly home at the age of 17. Scripture warns us not to grieve as the world does. To be honest with all of you, my husband and I did in fact grieve probably more so then what scripture states. In reality on reflection our grief occured in waves. We knew as best we could that our son had trusted Jesus with his salvation. Based on that decision, Zach was healed in God’s presence. We knew Zach was happier than we could imagine. We knew that if Zach had a choice, he would not want to return to this world even though he loved us greatly. To be in God’s presence is beyond anything this mother could ever write. I believe that as I believe God’s Word is real 100%. However the reality of not having Zach here created waves of pain that would ebb and flow. Some of you reading this may be able to relate to what I am trying to write.
In 2012 our oldest son Aaron met a girl who would bless him and us. Her name is Betty and we love her dearly as one of our own children. She became Aaron’s wife in January of 2013 and a year later, blessed us with our first grandchild. It is so important to see God’s mercy and grace in our lives, especially in the midst of our grief. We need that and God is so faithful to provide. Though one young life was gone two years prior, a new life began and the cycle continues and God’s grace carries on.
If you are reading this and you also have experienced the painful loss of someone you loved deeply, please know from one who has also experienced that kind of pain that God is faithful. Look for the joy in everyday living. Praise God in every aspect of your life. Remember that this is not our home. The most important decision we can ever make is trusting Jesus with our lives and knowing that He is who He said He was and He will do what He said He will do. Stay courageous and keep going! In the meantime happy birthday Ariana Jane sweet girl