Friday's Footnote

2 Peter 3:13

Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Good evening, family and friends!

I seem to be having a hard time blogging early in the morning these past few days. Oh, I suppose it can still be said "better late than never."

My Mom called me an hour or so ago, something that is kind of rare for her to do. Usually, if we talk, I'm the one to initiate the call. During the conversation, she mentioned that recently my Dad (who is in a nursing home due to dementia) had told her that he was "coming home tomorrow." Mom went on to say that during that conversation, she got so choked up (the first time she had cried on the phone since he was admitted) and had to hang up on him. She said, "I miss him."

When my parents made their commitment to each other just a little over 65 years ago, little did they know what life held for them. The words, "for better or for worse", may have seemed poetic when they were young, but now they are committed to that promise even though things are definitely worse. Their commitment is an example to me.

Life hurts, and the pain in our hearts can feel similar to being stabbed repeatedly with the blade of a dull knife. But, God. Oh, but God! He is faithful. He is with us to help us whenever we find ourselves dealing with the sad issues of life.

This poem from long ago came to my mind, and it speaks what my heart feels right now:

God Hath Not Promised

by Annie Jonson Flint

God hath not promised skies always blue

Flower strewn pathways, all our lives through;

God hath not promised sun without rain,

Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

But God hath promised strength for the day, 

Rest for the labour, light for the way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

Unfailing kindness, undying love.

God has promised to always be with us, through the storms and the rain; the sunshine; the pain. And, one promise all Christians hold onto is the one of Christ's return to earth to take us away to be with Him for eternity.

When life hurts, may we all feel the sweet presence of our Heavenly Father's comfort!

God bless you, one and all..... until tomorrow.....