Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I Thessalonians 5:18

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As Tim and I joined hands with eleven other couples around a gigantic dining table so that we could pray before our meal Saturday evening, I was so surprised when someone suggested that first we sing,
“Praise God from whom all blessings flow..”

It was beautiful!

To see the faces of parents who had lost children in so many different sad and difficult ways be able to still have a song left to sing….

even if the song came through tears..

I was moved deeply.

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As my eyes gazed around the table and saw the determined faces of so many hurting moms and dads, holding hands, lifting some sort of praise to the Creator of the Universe, I couldn’t help but see the scene flash before me from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” where all the Whos down in Whoville gathered together to sing on Christmas morning in spite of all that was missing.

Remember how the Grinch’s heart literally grew as heard the music swelling???

imageWouldn’t it be great if the devil could finally “get it?”  If he could realize that every time he tries to take us down, we are going to stand back up and keep on keeping on.  That’s what faith does…even when there’s nothing left but an empty Christmas tree stand.

Is it easy?  No

I woke up this morning after having a very sweet dream about me, Nick, and Mom at the hospital and I felt so sad that I cried all through my shower.  I miss Nick so much that my heart literally aches.

But what would change if I abandoned God?  Would Nick be back?  No

I have to cling to Him who promises MORE!  Him who promises ETERNITY!

Even when it hurts!