Thanks, I needed that! Isn't it funny how God arranges "Just-in-time" deliveries. He always knows when we need a special word, that's a given. But the amazing thing is that to do that requires that He set those deliveries in motion week, even years ahead of time.
Today for instance. I needed a boost, and there it was. A large manila envelope containing a devotional book produced by members of First Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia. My old ex-roommate (and brother-in-law for more than 53 years) Clark Scanlon attached this note to the cover: "Your Daily Appointment With God" was begun during the latter years of FBC, Richmond. At firest it was to build a spirit of expectancy leading up to Christmas. Staff members wrote it. Then they did the same at Easter and gradually included church members. It became such a valuable tool for daily devotionals that it culminated with a full year of reflections by a sizeable number of rank-and-file."
Then Clark added, "Read especially pp. 72-27." That turned out to be a week authored by Clark and Sarah on the theme of Gratitude. I devoured it, for both are skilled writers. Good, thoughtful stuff, right down to Thursday's "Gratitude in Trial and Loss" that went like this ...
"The highest tribute to the dead is not grief, but gratitude."
On May 28, 2006 Sarah's twin sister, Marah, died. Her long battle with a chronic pulmonary disease ended and so had her husband's long vigil as care giver. Marah's family with deep faith coped with her death. The church, the family and friends all helped provide support, but at last each went back to other responsibilities. We check on oour brother-in-law each week and marvel at his coping and continuing to serve others. He revealed his secret recently. He recounted many things that remind him of her and cause moments of pain. Then he said, "With every stabbing pain, there gushes from the wound a torrent of gratitude." Their son, Daivd, spoke for his siblings in a tribute to his mother, "Mother sang alto; she provided the harmony that made the music sweeter." Eschewing hopelessness and rejecting bitterness, our family has chosen the high road of gratitude.
Think about how you might express gratitude in grief or hardship.
I hope these lines provide some comfort and consolation to the many in The Dillard Class who are walking that same lonesome valley of grief.
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