On
Christmas Eve 2011, my father fell ill in the morning and by 9pm, he was
dead. My sis in law had traveled to meet him for the first time that
day, and by the time they arrived, he was gone. It was devastating. I
went into shock and couldn't eat for about 3 days. The grief was heart
rending, especially because it was so sudden and so unexpected.
On Christmas Eve 2012, I had to be intentional about
celebrating Christmas and not allow myself to be pulled down by the
grief of the year before. I called mum just to tell her that I loved her
and was thinking about her and praying for her. We talked about that
Christmas Eve in 2011 as we remembered all that happened.
Fast
forward to Christmas Eve 2013, 2 days ago. It hit me, at some point in
the night that it was the anniversary of dads death. I had actually
forgotten and was quite excitedly anticipating Christmas. I hastily
called mum just to love on her and comfort her on the anniversary of her
hubby's passing. She was busy doing her stuff and going on with life
and SHE HAD FORGOTTEN!! Can you imagine? I was the one who kinda
reminded her why I was calling. It hadn't occurred to either of us. We
talked about it for a few minutes and then spoke about so many other
things. There was no pain, no sadness, just glad to be celebrating
another Christmas. We now can talk about dad and laugh. We remember the
funny and interesting things he did and said and are so thankful for all
the good that he brought into our lives.
The moral behind this
story: There is no pain that exists, that God cannot heal. When a loved
one passes, instead of focusing and grieving about the day of their
death, celebrate and be thankful instead for all the years that they
lived. You do not prove love and loyalty to that person by living in
continued grief and sadness but by God's grace, moving on with strength
and hope even as you hold dear their memory.
God has healed
us. We are o.k. today and my prayer for you FB friend is that you
experience His healing too in your life. May you allow God to heal the
pains, disappointments and bitterness of the past and to free you to
enjoy life again. As long as you are still here, there is still so much
good to come your way. May that painful past become a vague memory. May
your prison doors be open and may you truly live again. He has done it
for me, He will do it for you if you let Him.
Ps 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness...
Barikiweni!
