As I've thought about that week I recognize in the midst of life's greatest sorrow, we were given a gift. A reminder that in our darkest moments God cares for us.
We were together. All of us in the same place at the same time. I don't believe it was happenstance.
In my family we all love the sea.
Its the place we go to reconnect with ourselves and with each other.
Salt water rolls in with the tide and the tears.
When I am face to face with the sea I remember that God is big.
He knows the end from the beginning.
I stand atop a thousand million tiny seashells resting in the sand and am in awe of a Creator who knows precisely how many lie under my feet.
The birds of the air...
...the fish of the sea...
His eye is on the sparrow and I know it watches me.
On May 8th, 2012 this was our sky-
We sat together and watched as it was painted a thousand shades of pinky golden orange.
Life changed that day in ways we haven't even begun to realize, but this one thing remains constant. God loves us with a love that is wider than the widest sea, deeper than the deepest ocean and more beautiful than the most vivid sunset.
For a moment peace was not elusive, it was there for the claiming.
The sunset felt like it was made just for us.
Perhaps it was.
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand..." Psalm 139:17-18 (NLT)
Beautiful pictures, sometimes it seems that joy is tinged with sorrow. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you were able to have that time of respite. God is good that way. He gives us just what we need when we need it.
ReplyDeleteThat was exactly what I thought when you posted your update that week... that you were all together! God is good.
ReplyDeleteYes, being with the girls and your husband is a gift. And your love for God and his for you, that is also a great blessing.
ReplyDeletei am so glad you had this connecting time of beauty <3
ReplyDeleteI am glad that your family was able to have that time together and to find that peace and comfort when you most needed it.
ReplyDelete"He knows the end from the beginning." Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteHi Joyce,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your pictures, the sea is a great place to meditate on our station in life. I wish I could say my meditations are as close to God as yours. Sorry, I haven't been around for a long while. You are truly blessed
It is only in His presence that we find true peace and it is in His strength we can face tomorrow. Thank you for your honesty in sharing the joys and sorrows that come from being family. We continue to pray for healing.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful Joyce. ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteThis is poignant and precious. Thank you. Prayers continue as I think daily (no pun intended, honestly) of you, your loss, your family, and God who holds you all together.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you see blessings in all circumstances Joyce.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures ... so glad that you and your family were able to spend some time reconnecting ... with yourselves and with God.
ReplyDeleteAmen! His hand is before you, behind you and upon you!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Joyce. It was a gift that you all were together those days.
ReplyDelete(Hugs)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually speechless. Words just don't seem to convey my thoughts, just as you mentioned you might not have written about that week. I love the simple reminders about the Lord and your beautiful pictures to go with them. Thanks for sharing it with us. Still praying.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful time.
ReplyDeleteAmazing how He always knows what we need even during our times of sorrow! Nothing is happenstance! Hugs my friend.
ReplyDeleteuntil next time... nel
That was beautiful. Thanks for this. The post, the verse, your thoughts...thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. Sounds like a wonderful respite for all of you. God will continue to heal.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post....I wish that day of sorrow did not happen for your family...but I hope with time your pain and sorrow will be filled with happy memories and warmth in your heart. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI just got through reading "Angels on Board". It's worth the read! It really makes you stop and think about "coincidences"...I'm sure someone had a hand in giving y'all that perfect sky. :)
ReplyDelete**hugs**
What a beautiful and encouraging post, Joyce. There are so many things that I just don't understand; but one thing remains constant and I cling to that. God is good...all the time. I love how He spoke to you during your time at the shore. Thanks so much for encouraging me by sharing it. I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. *hugs*
ReplyDelete