A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

Suzanne Taylor holding her grandson Jordan with smiles all around

Joy and gladness will overtake them,

sorrow and sighing will flee.

Isaiah 35:10 HCSB

A Number of Firsts

Volume XVI, Issue 33
August 15, 2016

A Number of Firsts...by Suzanne Taylor

On November 6, 2015 my husband, Larry, went home to the Lord. Since then there have been many firsts in my life...things Larry and I normally did together that I now do alone or with my family. Losing your life's partner brings many firsts to get through, and they seem to come so quickly. Such can bring sadness, yet God gives us joy. They can make us lonely, yet God never leaves us.

Thanksgiving...one of Larry's favorite days. He looked forward to grocery shopping, watching me bake and cook for days, and the family arriving with empty tummies and arms needing hugs. His face would light up as he pulled close to the table. He really enjoyed his turkey and candied sweet potatoes.

Christmas...one to just let pass. But my family had a different idea and took me to a tree farm. I picked out a beautiful tree, which they paid for. And they encouraged me to decorate as usual and enjoy the tree because Larry would have wanted that. I didn't do as much, but it did look good.

Wedding Anniversary...one that was difficult. Four days after Christmas would have been our 46th Anniversary. My heart yearned for the hug and kiss I would not get from Larry that day. Memories flooded my mind and I wept for what was and will never be again.

Valentine's Day...one that was lonely. Larry wasn't the romantic sort, but always made Valentine's Day special. There was usually a card and always dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. This time I took myself out and ate a lonely meal with no one to tease me across the table.

Resurrection Sunday...one very important to Larry. He now knew that Jesus wasn't only buried in a borrowed tomb: He was raised from the dead by the Father. Larry never forgot how special Easter is. And maybe it's even more special to me now.

Larry's Birthday...one really tough day. April 26^th Larry would have been 73. On that day I had a little memorial at our home. My children, their available families, and several of our dear friends gathered to share memories of Larry and to rejoice that his suffering was over.

Father's Day...one to set aside. This was the last first I recently experienced. No one came for dinner. I don't recall what I ate, or if I ate. I just remember the pain of another day without the man who stole my heart so many years ago.

I'm sure we will have more firsts. Yes, there is sadness at times, loneliness at times. But there are also times of joy, celebration, and assurance.

For our loved ones, we can cling to the Resurrection and its promise. For Jesus said, I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again. Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again (John 11:25 TLB).

For us who remain, even as we grieve something amazing happens. Through God's comfort and peace, we grow stronger...bit by bit...every day. We truly do. And I praise Him for that.

For you who have lost sight of God in your grief, I assure you that God hasn't lost sight of you. I know it seems impossible to believe, but every day gets a little easier.

Take comfort in the words of Jesus---With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 HCSB).

Give God your sorrow and let Him make happiness possible again.

Suzanne

Suzanne Taylor is Pastor of New Beginnings Ministry (www.newbeginmin1.org), an online ministry dedicated to bringing together those who want to learn, share and experience more about Jesus. She is also the author of Rev's Notes. Suzanne lives in Carmel, Maine, USA.

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