As time continues on, loss has differing effects on your life and emotions. On most days, we remember with grateful hearts and sweet memories of times past, but there are those times when everything seems to happen at once. This year, the days of May 12 – 14, will each provide a reason to remember and grieve.
Saturday, May 12, would have been my 28th wedding anniversary with the man of my dreams. It would be the day my life forever changed, as I married a handsome, godly Egyptian-American man. We would see the world together, witness God change countless lives, and even be blessed by two amazing boys. This is my third anniversary alone, yet I cannot help but thank God for allowing me to walk by the side of such a great man who actually chose me as his wife.
Sunday, May 13, is Mother’s day, and this is my 20th year without being able to tell my mother how much I love her. I’m reminded of her every day, as I work among the books and library she loved. Even today, one of our long-term staff mentioned her with fondness. My mother loved the Lord and loved others. She lived out “ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Monday, May 14, marks the 2nd anniversary of my dad’s passing. The combined grief of losing my husband and father within five months of each other has made my grief for Dad complicated, but I never stop missing him. He loved God’s Word, as well as teaching it to others. I think of 2 Timothy 2:15, when I think of my dad, as I know he was one approved by God and rightly handled the word of truth.
So, what do I do with myself in these three, hard days? I remember and keep on, thankful for the blessing of having had their love, while striving to bring them honor by loving others as they loved me.
Are you hit by days of grief and loss? Remember the love and let it overflow to others. Trust me, you’ll be blessed.
Grace and Peace
Beautiful!!!
Griefing with dignity and love!!