I know I'll look back on this season as one of the most stressful I've ever had the privilege to live through.
Yes, a privilege.
Because I've encountered my Savior's startling grace at each faltering step and every jagged breath of the exhausting, tear-strewn path.
On one sunny Friday I moved, lock, stock, and barrel, from New York to Massachusetts. And the very next day, before I could even unpack a handful of boxes, my Dad moved on to his heavenly forever home, called oh-so-very-suddenly by his Maker.
After 40 years apart, I thought we were going to do life together for one final season.
God had other plans.
Moving on to live in a new location is a joyful gift, one waiting to be unwrapped and experienced with the greatest anticipation, an open door into the vast unknown with all its great big possibilities and inviting open-ended opportunities just waiting to be explored, savored, treasured.
When all is said and done, I guess we each got to move on to the exact location our hearts were yearning for.
It makes me smile that we both walk on the shores of crystal seas these days. Even if those golden spaces are universes apart.
God's Word tells me that there's no tears by your heavenly crystal sea, Daddy. But the tears are flowing freely on this side of heaven.
It's ok. Because there's one thing we're sharing right about now.
The Holy Spirit of God is closer than the next breath we breathe. And I would have it no other way.
Linda, so great to be neighbors with you on #RaRaLinkup. We moved from Massachusetts back to Minnesota in January of this year. I was born in Rockland County, NY and grew up in Northern NJ. Blessings to you and thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I grew up in Northern NJ, too! I never met another Jersey Girl Blogger!
DeleteToo cool!
Sorry to hear about your loss. We all know that we are not meant to live forever on this Earth, yet it is always a surprise to hear about a loved ones passing.
ReplyDeleteNothing can prepare you. Nothing.
DeleteThanks for hearing my heart, Jenny.
Your courage and faith are such an inspiration - thank you for sharing the heartbreak, and the triumph.
ReplyDeletehttp://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2015/07/your-dying-spouse-35-homebound.html
Talk about courage and faith ... you're showing us how to do it, pal ...
DeleteReaders ~ please do head over to Andrew's to read his series YOUR DYING SPOUSE. It's must-reading.
Oh Linda, my sincere condolences go out to you and your family. I know how painful it is to lose a parent, especially so unexpectedly. But we do know that he is smiling down on you and will be until you meet again.
ReplyDeleteYes, I know that you hear my heart, Maria. Thank you for your kind words here and for the beautiful card you sent our way.
DeleteBlessings ...
Hello Linda, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You are Brave and strong. Remaember the Lord is with you friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your visits. I have been going through some unexpected challenges since the last 2 weeks. I hope to get back to regular visits soon and catch bup on previous posts.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Sweet Blessings to you
He's with us in our challenges ... He never leaves.
DeleteGrace, grace to you, friend ...
Beautiful, "Because I've encountered my Savior's startling grace at each faltering step and every jagged breath of the exhausting, tear-strewn path." Thanks for linking up with the #RaRaLinkup.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. Yes, He is!
DeleteLove the link-up, appreciate you!
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Beautiful faith you have. Sorry about your dad. Thanks for sharing your story. It has inspired many for sure.
ReplyDeleteDon't you love when God can use our woundedness to encourage and inspire other weary travelers? Thanks for moving through this passage with me, Lux ...
DeleteOh Linda how sorry I am to hear this! Faith will indeed sustain. Many prayers as you and your dad walk by that peaceful shore together though miles apart. ♥♥
ReplyDeleteYes, yes! There is peace and it sure does pass any kind of understanding we try to throw at it!
DeleteHope runs eternal. That is what holds us together.
ReplyDeleteAmen. And amen, friend.
DeleteAnd he is o so very happy right now worshipping His Savior!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat comfort and glory to choose to focus on the truths of what Scripture says about our someday heavenly home!
DeletePraise God!
My sweet friend. I know that the Lord is holding you ever so close during this time. And I have to tell you, since I read the first comment, I was born in northern NJ, too. I moved to VT when I was 4, but hopefully that still counts :) as I spent many a summer in NJ and still have family there. We should compare notes sometime. My dad was a genealogist and has records for over 400 families, I wonder if he has any on yours? Blessings, as you walk your seashore.
ReplyDeleteAnother Jersey Girl! Yay! We'll have to compare notes on when and where. Let's email!
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Ohhhh! So beautiful, Linda! My heart breaks for you and the grief you are experiencing in a season that held such promise and hope. But, you are so right about the Holy Spirit being near to comfort you with each breath you take. I do also hope those beautiful New England summer sunsets are a reminder that God paints the sky with you in mind, my sweet friend! And can you imagine the light show on the other side of heaven where your father has a prime seat now? Blows my mind to imagine! Hugs to you, dear Linda! You're in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAnd wonder of wonders, the promise and hope remain. The radiance of His creation whispers His loving grace right about now. More than ever ...
DeleteThank you, faithful friend, you always encourage me ... and I'm waiting for you to have another conference out east so we can get together once again!
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Wishing I could hug you but so moved by the way God is holding you during this time. All my love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteHugs back atcha, girl ...
DeleteThis is so incredibly touching, Linda. Your faith and outlook on life's circumstances is breathtaking. Your dad was an amazing man. I have no doubt of this by the way you refer to him. Remember your beautiful statement here: "When all is said and done, I guess we each got to move on to the exact location our hearts were yearning for." I certainly will. Many prayers and much love to you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteYes, he was amazing. Not perfect. But godly and faithful and wise and hard working. Funny, too.
DeleteLots of good antidotes are coming to mind as the family shares together. Those are healing conversations, aren't they ...
Thanks for being here, Candace. Truly.
This is heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time, Linda. I'm so glad God's grace is sustaining you, and that you are allowing us to share in your journey. Your words bless and encourage my heart.
ReplyDeleteThat friends from near and far walk with us through our grief truly is a healing touch, isn't it, Lois? We are not alone. We have the Spirit within and those who care for us close to our hearts.
DeleteI feel blessed right about now that God has brought so many wonderful people my way over time. Truly blessed ...
The thought of being connected to our loved ones through the spirit of God is very comforting. I am praying for you as you walk this journey on a different path than you had hoped. So very glad that you have the hope of walking again with your dad on the other side.
ReplyDeleteI'm learning an important lesson ... to hold my plans lightly and loosely. God's will just might be very different than my own!
DeleteThanks for your support, Teresa ...
Tears. So sorry.
ReplyDeleteYour sweet compassion shows ...
DeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! How ironic that these two life-changing events occurred on the heels of each other, but your gorgeous perspective on it is so lovely -- a privilege -- what a refreshing way to look at your life. I'm praying for some startling, invigorating, soul-renewing days ahead for you, friend! And I'm looking forward to all you will discover in your new home! :)
Keep praying for those upcoming days, Valerie. Please.
DeleteI have great hope ...
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad. Will be praying for y'all and hope you're finding joy in sweet memories of him! I hope the move went well and you're getting settled in!
ReplyDeleteYes, Lauren! A continued recalling of our memories is sweet, funny, tearful, and oh-so-necessary.
DeleteI lost my dad back in 1981 and I still miss having him.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, friend. I hear you.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your dad, Linda. That is sad. May the Lord Jesus comfort you and surround you with peace. My husband just lost his mother last weekend, so this hits close to home for me. I loved my MIL and she's ALWAYS BEEN THERE. Now she's with Jesus, like your Dad.
ReplyDeleteWe encourage each other in this season of grief, Betsy. Yes, we do.
DeleteAnd this --> 'she's ALWAYS BEEN THERE.' You have described that well. It's all kind of surreal, isn't it.
Praying for you now even as we speak ...
This reminded me of the poem "Footprints in the Sand" and especially the last line that reads,"The Lord replied,
ReplyDelete"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."
Keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Amen. So very true! Thank you, Barb, for those prayers for our family.
DeleteI hope you are doing well ...
I know this is such a bittersweet season of grieving the loss of your dad as he settles into his new home and settling into your own new home still here. My prayers stay with you, Linda.
ReplyDeleteLove this: "The Holy Spirit of God is closer than the next breath we breathe. And I would have it no other way." Amen, friend.
Bittersweet. It says it all.
DeleteThere's more sweet than bitter.
That's His love shining through, isn't it, Lisa ...
Oh, Linda, my heart aches for your loss. But I love that God opened your eyes to see you are both where your heart yearns to be. Praying for you, my friend. : )
ReplyDeleteCrystal ... your sweet words reminded me immediately of that song, 'open the eyes of my heart Lord, open the eyes of my heart, I want to see You, I want to see You.'
DeleteThank you for taking me there, to Him.
What encouraging words for so many who need them. I am sad for you but happy you get to be there for and with your precious Mom now!
ReplyDeleteMom is precious, for sure, Sarah. I'm honored to be here, not too far away from where she lives.
DeleteGod is gracious!
Love you, Linda.
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet, you are ...
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