Light

November 20th, 2012 would have been my father's 73rd birthday. He died 22 years ago in a car accident. I never stop missing him in my life, but I never stop celebrating him either. Usually his birthday is hard for me. I wish I could tell him what a gift he was to me as a dad. I wish I could tell him what a gift he is to me now as I consider the wisdom that he gave me - through God - for this life.

My Father in heaven is gracious to connect me to my dad even to this day. He doesn't have to - He just does. And I don't look for these connections. I don't ask Him to show me my dad in some way or give me a sign that he is okay. I know my dad is okay, and I have a sense that he is not at all concerned about me. He is with the God who holds my life, so why would he worry anymore about anything, right? There are just some days - some times - when something is said, or done, and a connection to my dad is brought to my mind like an instant message. God knows my heart. He knows my mind, and He knows that I will think of my father in those moments. And in the midst of remembering Daddy, I thank my God for the gift of my memories of him, and for the gift of the moment that God tenderly gave to bring my dad close to me once again.

November 20th has another significant meaning for me. I wasn't feeling very well on November 20th ten years ago, and considered the hope of having a second baby may have come true. I took a pregnancy test early that morning, and it was glaringly, gloriously, positive. On my father's birthday, my Heavenly Father sealed a date in my heart to connect to my dad though he is far from me now. My son's heart was beating beneath mine, and I knew it on my father's birthday. I love to wake on on November 20th and think about the sweetness of that day for me because of three men I get to love in this lifetime: my husband, my son, and my father. Only God can make a connection like that. How I love my God!

I don't know if my father is aware of me, my children and this life he used to know; I often think he is still in his first glimpse of glory because time there is most certainly not time here... What is most significant to me with this life I live in missing my dad is that my heavenly Father is well aware of me, and He has taken such  tender measures to demonstrate His love is complete.

I read my Bible first thing in the morning. This has been a daily discipline for some time now, one that I have had to grow to love, and in the process one that has changed my heart, my mind, and strength - and also my desire for time with God in His Word. When I woke on November 20th, (yesterday) this is what I read. I hope it is an encouragement to you, too. We will have trials in this life, but God will always lead us through them continuously in the Light of who HE is.AND in that - there is much joy. 

"When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me." Micah 7:8

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isaiah 43:2-3

"I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them." Isaiah 42:16

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4 

"Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. IN God (I will praise His Word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:3-4

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

It is so good to hear from God. It is so good to know Him and SEE Him in this life. It is so good to know that HE knows us and SEES us. Where would we be without the gift of His love - without the gift of His wonderful LIGHT? He knows where we would be - and most certainly - has not left us in the darkness that is there.

Stepping forward with you in LIT UP faith. Stepping forward with much joy. 

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