A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

Donald Remple

(Terry's Dad)

God, my loving Father

Volume XV, Issue 41

October 12, 2015

God, my loving Father...by Terry L. Coleridge

I woke up feeling weepy. I'd been thinking of my dad a lot lately. November marked his departure to Heaven a couple of years ago. My husband stirred me from my thoughts, asking what I wanted for breakfast. In the kitchen I relaxed at our little table, my special place for being close to God, reading my Bible study, devotion, and prayer.

This morning's devotion was very timely. It was about a man who used a train ride experience for his story. I started weeping as memories returned. One of Dad's careers was as a Station Agent for the Railway. My husband and I agreed that having this devotion for this day must be God's timing.

After breakfast, while driving my husband to work, I saw a sign about a model train show that would be coming soon. Dad was really into model trains. He had a big set-up in the family basement. Two scale model trains ran on tracks among mountains, trees, buildings, and bridges which he designed himself. The train business had long been a part of his family's history. More memories.

After dropping off my husband, I felt the need for a long walk by the bay. Along the way I came to a bridge that spanned over railroad tracks. Walking up a bridge, I heard the whistle of a train and quickly grabbed my camera. I had to really move but I got good shots of three engines pulling two miles of cars under the bridge I was standing on.

Three engine train passing under a bridge

Taking those pictures and the train brought back even more memories of Dad. (I got this photo bug from him, who also took tons of pictures.) So I took a few moments to thank our Lord for all the beauty in His creation that I saw around me and especially for my dad, who is now with Him.

Later that evening I phoned one of our daughters. After listening to me talk about missing my dad, she told me of a phone call she received at work that day. The man sounded so much like her Grandfather that she had a hard time keeping her emotions in check and had to take a few breaths to stop the tears.

As we were talking, something dawned on me---that day would have been Dad and Mom's wedding anniversary. I'm not good on remembering dates so I called Mom. She verified that it was indeed their anniversary.

What a really interesting day. So many memories, good and sad. And through it all, God definitely was my light and guide, walking with me on the path. I'm so grateful that He, my loving Father, showed that He is never far from me. And like a loving Father, throughout the day He left reminders of His love for me, encouraging me through these stresses of life.

God often uses our memories to remind us that He knows us well, cares for us, and never leaves us alone. We just have to remember He's there. May He encourage you as He has encouraged me.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Psalm 139:1-5 (TNIV)

Jesus is alive, and He is always with us,

Terry

Terry L. Coleridge is a Nurse Assistant/Facilitator and has cared for individuals with Down's Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder, Autism, and various behavioral disorders. Terry and her husband live in Washington State, USA.

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