May 8, 2023
May 8, 2023
Three years ago, we (Marilyn and I) said our goodbyes. The setting wasn't some beautiful beach or other memorial setting. Nor was it at the end of a wonderful period of sharing a loving experience together. It was in a lonely hospice room with her drugged and having difficulty acknowledging my presence and it was after nearly four months of struggle in an environment that increasingly feared offering help.
As I write this, I am at the beginning of a new journey, a fresh start, a journey that I never expected to make alone. Her influence on this journey will remain just as over the 45 years we shared together, we shaped each others lives and daily spiritual walk. I do not know where this new journey is taking me. All I know is that God is using my experiences to help others.
It seems that the Lord is leading me to others who have experienced or are about to experience the death of a loved one. From my experiences, I can support but they in their struggles also understand the struggle that I have had and still experience. Mutually, we find that the Lord is blessing each of us in our journey.
"Lord, you have always given strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, you have always given peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart, today I believe.
...
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here, today I believe"
(Northumbria Community, 2002, Celtic Daily Prayer. Evening Prayer)
As I write this, I am at the beginning of a new journey, a fresh start, a journey that I never expected to make alone. Her influence on this journey will remain just as over the 45 years we shared together, we shaped each others lives and daily spiritual walk. I do not know where this new journey is taking me. All I know is that God is using my experiences to help others.
It seems that the Lord is leading me to others who have experienced or are about to experience the death of a loved one. From my experiences, I can support but they in their struggles also understand the struggle that I have had and still experience. Mutually, we find that the Lord is blessing each of us in our journey.
"Lord, you have always given strength for the coming day;
and though I am weak, today I believe.
Lord, you have always given peace for the coming day;
and though of anxious heart, today I believe.
...
Lord, You have always marked the road for the coming day; and though it may be hidden, today I believe.
Lord, You have always lightened this darkness of mine;
and though the night is here, today I believe"
(Northumbria Community, 2002, Celtic Daily Prayer. Evening Prayer)