It was easy to be thankful last year. We had been married over 14 years. We were starting the final trimester, heading quickly towards the birth of our first child. Life was simply good. Being thankful was easy, maybe too easy.
"...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18
The Word makes it sound so simple. Give thanks...in all things.
I know that I have things to be thankful for this year. I have a wonderful and loving family. I have supportive and loving friends. There are thousands of Christians, around the world, who pray for me, and my and Sara's families, regularly. I know a God who cares about me, cries with me, and wants to restore me...even if I don't know why He allowed this to happen. I know that He has a plan of restoration for me, even if I don't know what it is. I have a future...even if it wasn't the future we had planned.
Today I choose to be thankful that I was married to a woman whose legacy is written on the hearts and minds of family, friends, and coworkers. A legacy of joy, beautiful smiles, creative talents, and earnest laughter. A legacy of love, poured out freely on anyone who spent time with her. Today I choose to be thankful for the great gifts that God bestowed upon my life.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever."
1 Chronicles 16:34
I'm also thankful for my friend, Brian Dumont, for finding and sharing photos like these, from over 15 years ago, with me. So long ago, the only thing in front of us was the future. :)
I miss the rain
by Bride
There's a place I like to go back to
Time seemed to stand still
We ran wild, we had no cares
Take me back to the place
I wish there were a door I could walk right through
To escape this life
I want to go back to what we had
Times were better then
I miss the rain, I miss the rain
My heart's been dry, like the tear in my eye
I been hurting for you again
I miss the rain, I miss the rain
My heart's been dry, like the tear in my eye
And the pain that I feel, Lord, I miss the rain
It keeps me young when I remember
In my mind the past still lives
I've held onto every thought, it keeps me so alive
The future holds nothing for me
If I can't hold you
I used to try and change the world
Now I change a little for myself
I miss the rain, I miss the rain
My heart's been dry, like the tear in my eye
I been hurting for you again
I miss the rain, I miss the rain
My heart's been dry, like the tear in my eye
And the pain that I feel, Lord, I miss the rain
I know there are those far sadder than I
They lost things they can't replace
Like the beauty in their eyes
But through it all, one thing is constant and remains
The Love of God erases all my pain
I miss the rain, I miss the rain
My heart's been dry, like the tear in my eye
Still praying and will continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you!
Chad - I've been praying for you as the holidays and many "firsts" approach. May the Lord be near.
ReplyDeleteChad~ May you find {comfort & peace} during these many "firsts"...
ReplyDeleteI want to share this message by my writer friend, Bob Perks.
May you find comfort in his words...
"Missing. The first holiday without them."
http://archive.aweber.com/iwishyouenough/6wcEc/h/_Missing_The_first_holiday.htm
Sent Thursday, November 17, 2011
"I Wish You Enough!" © 2001 Bob Perks
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys
in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Goodbye."
Bob Perks is an inspirational author/speaker
You can receive his messages sent 2-3 times each week
by visiting his website http://www.BobPerks.com
Chad; Thinking of you as you reflect on Thanksgiving. Your "blog" is such an inspiration to read. You are truly an amazing guy! I hope some day we have a chance to meet & ride together!
ReplyDeletestill keeping our minds on you! the anticipation of the holidays is often the worst. one foot in front of the other. I remember thinking, I guess we cannot stop that ol' sun from rising on the day, whether we are ready or not! so keep on keeping on - you're right, total strangers still keep you in heart and prayer.
ReplyDeletealways remember, you are never alone in this journey of grief, I never forget those who are missing their loved ones as I miss mine during this time. It's so hard...and we do look forward to that future hope, it's just...the waiting...that's so hard...praying for you and your family...
ReplyDeleteI still think of you so often and ask God to help you through your darker times.
ReplyDeletelove
Ruth x
Chad,
ReplyDeleteStill thinking and praying for you and your extended family daily.
Chad,
ReplyDeleteStill praying for you regularly. Asking God to uphold you in His Grace and Love. Will continue to pray during what has to be a very difficult time of year.
Blessings,
John Crupper
Chad, Thinking of you as we approach this Holiday Season, and you spend this one with 2 special "Angels" watching over you from above!
ReplyDeleteGod Bless You ............. I know you'll be in good hands. We're all thinking of you, and want you to know that we care!
I've been thinking of you this week and felt the Lord reminding me to pray for you during this time. I don't think it's just Thanksgiving and Christmas, but know that these holidays can be difficult. Our family keeps you in our prayers and are thankful the Lord is sustaining you this first year. Blessings to you, Chad.
ReplyDeleteChad,
ReplyDeleteI think of you often. Hope this finds you well this holiday season.
Brandy
You are a spiritual Giant...May God keep you strong...
ReplyDeleteDear Chad,
ReplyDeleteI want to share a conversation I had with my sister. It was on what would have been my son's 39th birthday. Instead, he was killed on Dec. 7, 2007. He will forever be 34. I have such a hard time every year on his birthday. My sister sent me the words to the Hymn, "Never Grow Old." I wrote this back to her and I want to share her wonderful answer with you.
______________________________________________________
Here is the conversation:
(From me)
Thank you so much for the song. It is perfect for today. I don't know if I told you about the letter that I found when going through some boxes that have been packed away for years. I don't remember ever reading the letter, I don't know when or why he(my son) wrote it. I have no recollection of it at all. When I read it, it seemed like he had written it to me from heaven and God had hidden it for me to find.
It said,
""Mom,
Don't ever forget me, I know you won't. I Love You. I will keep in touch. Take care we'll see each other again soon.
Love,
Jeremy"
Pretty special, isn't it?
Thanks for loving my son so much. Wow, it's been a really rough day. I'm glad it will be over soon.
Love you,
Ronda
(My sister's response)
Jeremy is keeping his promise. He is keeping in touch with you through the people that won't forget him because they loved him, too. He also meant what he said about "we'll see each other again soon." We will go to heaven on the same day that Jeremy did because there is no night in heaven. I love you.
__________________________________________________
Isn't that a wonderful thought?? You will arrive in heaven on the same day that Sara and Miranda did, for there is no night in heaven! I wanted to share this, because it made my heart feel lighter on a day of darkness.
I hope you actually read this.
Sincerely,
Ronda
Ronda,
DeleteI read every comment :)
It is a beautiful thought.
Sincerely,
Chad