I could tell you of the pleasure of May gardening and spring flowers, of a delightful tea party and picnics with friends, of the excitment of new projects and future plans.
I could write about sadness and the longing to spend one more spring with Ed, to have another conversation about all the important and mundane details of life, to be able to tell the children "ask dad."
Both would be true in the conflicting days of May.
Last week I taught Sunday School from John 10. I love verse 10. "I (Jesus) am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." The word "abundantly" gives the idea of unmeasurable, and not only in quanity, but in superior quality. Life on earth can be rich and fullfilling, despite sorrow, because of Jesus. Even more, we can rest in knowing that eternal life will be even better.
I looked for verses that speak of God's abundance. I hate to pull verses out of context but here are some favorites. I encourage you to look them up and read with the surrounding verses.
2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Ephesians 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
Whatever the physical details of your life - whether you are weak or strong, whether your life could be described as delightful or drudgery, may you cling to the abundance that God gives through the Lord Jesus.
Thank you for another encouraging post, Gina. I needed the reminder to focus on the abundant gifts God has given us, not the sorrows of this world. He is so merciful and loving to us!
ReplyDeleteThank you Gina for these encouraging verses. May I always remember to put my trust in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteMemories!! So many memories came flooding back when I read this post. "Time heals," they say. But before time heals, it hurts!! And it hurts really bad. The realization that your loved one has been gone for 3 long years and that those years are just a drop in the ocean on the way to forever hurts so bad it takes your breath away.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures of your children bring back my childhood, trying to be "normal" but knowing my life was not and never would be the same. The roses on the grave stone bring memories of trips to my Daddy's grave, my mom's deep sorrow and my childish uncertainty of how to fix it.
I am so very very sorry for your pain. I admire your brave spirit and pray that that the God of all comfort would sooth your aching hearts. God loves you and will provide for your children in ways you can't even imagine. He did for me!!
Thanks so much, Christie, for your kind words and for understanding. And thanks for the reminder that God does love and provide for us.
DeleteGina
What a blessing to read this morning!
ReplyDeletekeeping you all in my prayers, how is Esther?
ReplyDeleteSue
Thanks for asking. Esther has good days and bad days but is still very sick and weak.Pray for the family as they make decisions about her care. This has been a very long journey for them.
DeleteGina
I shall keep Esther and her family in my prayers and the decisions they need to mske. Blessings sue
DeleteThank you Gina for the encouraging bible verses. I really need them today. God bless you. 🙏
ReplyDelete