This was a Leap Year, so one more day is added to the typical 365.
Today is the anniversary of several earthly goodbyes... with heaven on the mind. Grief is not something you "get over". You have to plow through it. It is a tough row to hoe, as we say on the farm. It is hard work that requires an emotional energy like nothing else. Grief comes in waves... even after a decade or two of grieving. Yes, the pain gets softer... but in a moment, a song or a movie clip can bring it all back to that raw feeling of loss. The value of "one more day" is priceless for those who grieve.
Today, lives hang in the balance. Some need a miracle for restoration. Some know that restoration will only come by heavenly healing. Others, we lift in prayer for a miracle. Our God still moves in miraculous ways, but we don't always get the answer we want, because there is a bigger picture that we do not see. I've always been moved by the words of the three young men as they stood outside the fiery furnace:
"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” -Daniel 3:16-19
Our God is able.. but even if he doesn't... that is the faith I long to emulate. I am humbled by their wisdom and their courage. Even if he doesn't... their faith was not shattered or weakened.
Our God is not a genie in bottle who grants us three wishes. He is the Master of the Universe with the desire to know each one of us intimately. I can honestly say that in the most broken seasons of life, His nearness always gives me chills... the good kind of chills. "God Winks" come in the darkest of days so we know that he never abandons his children. We can almost feel his breath on the back of our necks.
Today I have one more day in a dress to raise money to fight Human Trafficking's that enslaves women, children and even babies. I'm halfway to my Dressember goal. One more day can make a difference.
https://dressember2020.funraise.org/fundraiser/valerie-smith-3128011
One more day may not seem like much, but for those who are lost, hurting, suffering, being sold or grieving... it may feel like an eternity.
Today, I am grateful for one more day to "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep."(Romans 12:15)
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