"You are so strong. You are the strongest person I know." This has been said to me by so many people over the last few months, it amazes me. Ever since I can remember, my dad has said to me "Everything happens for a reason." Even his last few weeks I said to him, "Dad, I am so sorry this is happening to you". His reply? "It's just the way it is." He is the strongest man I have ever known. Since June 29th, I have woken up at random times during the night just sobbing. I cannot control it. I know it's part of grieving, but as someone who hates to cry, this really sucks. I love this verse:
Psalm 30:5
Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
We don't weep for my Dad. He is not in pain anymore; he is at peace. We weep for ourselves. We miss him so much.
My mom. I am so proud of my mom. Every time she feels defeated she says, "God, I need your help. How do I get through this?" God is going to use my mom in such amazing ways, I can just feel it. Her determination to pick herself up and keep going is inspirational.
At the same time this is going on, my dad's sister is helping my grandparent's get ready for a life changing event of their own. She hasn't been home in five weeks, and it's not looking like she will be home soon. The sacrifices she is making to take care of her parents is amazing.
With all of this, my sister is continuing to work at the camp God has called her to. There are days she just wants to cover her face, but she keeps going. Keeps following God's plan for her.
Through all of this pain, all of this hardship, all of this seeming like bad things will never end, these three keep on smiling. Even if it's only for five minutes a day, they smile. Just as my dad did even in his last days.
It's faith. It's holding on to the Hope. It's knowing it's okay to cry, to be mad, to feel angry with God. This is what gets us through. Everyone goes through hardships.
Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
Romans 8:18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
2 Timothy 2:10
Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too
may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
1 Peter 5:10
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you
and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
Though it is hard to see the light at the end of this tunnel of extreme transitions (for my family as well as many others), we need to keep our eyes focused on the real reason we here in the first place. We are God's children. We are to worship Him. We are to love others. We are just on this earth temporarily.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.
The Bible certainly doesn't say life is going to be easy. It may seem like other people have easier lives, but everything is relative. You have no idea what someone is truly going through inside. My dad was right when he would say,"Everything happens for a reason". I know my family certainly wouldn't have this faith; or be as close as we are now. There are many times we want to
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
