When It's Time to Go...
We recently spent a week of summer vacation with my father in Florida. Time passed quickly. Moments filled us with laughter, wonderful conversations and opportunities to feel joyful. We appreciated every moment, and often discussed the many blessings of being together.
We all appreciate time spent with those we love. We can relate to the difficulty of leaving a loved one behind when we must go home. Half way through my visit, I thought about the moment we would have to say “goodbye”. I prayed God would bring peace to my heart and take away the sadness, so I could enjoy the time which was remaining.
The Bible says, “ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV Those words spoke to my heart early one morning as I wrote my daily devotion in my father’s den. I could hear him singing in the room next door, as he prepared for the day. “This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it”, he sang joyfully.
Sometimes we spend too much time focusing on what is to come. We forget God creates purpose in the heart of each moment He leads us in His will. He lovingly opens the door for us to find joy, and delivers opportunities for us to recognize when we have been blessed. Then, He provides time for us to understand there is reward for a grateful heart.
God brings joy to our hearts, but we don’t always feel joyful. It’s hard to give thanks in every single situation. But, God knows our hearts. He prepares us for what is to come, and lovingly leads us to the place we can find comfort, if we will only trust in Him.
On the day of our departure, tears filled our eyes as my father offered a prayer of safety for our flight back home. I still remember his words. They calmed my weary heart and reminded me God was in control. ”Dear God, Thank you for blessing my family with an opportunity to come and visit me. Help them leave with grateful hearts in what You have provided for all of us. Amen “
God guides and He provides. He is our loving Father who leads us toward His will and lovingly allows us to be touched by His grace. We must trust in Him and find strength through our sadness. He can help us find peace and embrace a grateful heart, even in the moments when it’s time to go…
God is near and He loves YOU,
Nan
Your writing reminded me of many goodbyes after visiting with my Mom. It is indeed a mix of joy and some sadness: joy for moments shared but sadness in the leaving.
ReplyDeleteGod is faithful to keep watch over our loved ones when we are not together. The One who watches over the little sparrow, or the flower in the field, watches over all of us all the time.
God bless you as you recall special moments with your Dad.
Tex
Hello Tex, Yes, you're right, it certainly is a mix of joy and sadness when we visit those we love. God does watch over our loved ones. I'm grateful for time spent with my dad and look forward to the next trip God will provide. I hope your mother is doing well. Thanks for visiting the site and sharing your thoughts. God bless you
ReplyDeleteI wanted to comment on what you have posted in the far left column but did not know where. So here it is!
ReplyDelete"The sun in the morning opens our eyes to the new day.....and warms our heart to waiting opportunities to shine."
Thank you and have a day that makes you smile.
What a beautiful writing and reminder God opens our eyes to see what is ahead. God bless you as you continue to walk with Him. Thanks for visiting the site!
ReplyDelete