Looking back over past issues of Today Counts, and the reason I felt directed to start writing them, spurs me on. I am no bible school theologian I just wanted, and still want, to be able to encourage others through my own personal experiences. I thought that if things in my life were a challenge to me – then there were bound to be others going through similar if not the same situations.
Bound to be people who were struggling, as I was, in areas as diverse as sickness, finances, love, unforgiveness, bereavement ………………… how long is the list.
If I had found a way to deal with my mountains, even in part, then I needed to share that with others; because of that Today Counts was born. I knew through scripture that there is nothing we face that is not common to man – our ‘mountains’ are not unique – and I knew that I had been helped so much by God through His word and by the love of friends and family – cheering me on in the hard times, yet I also felt my situation was inimitably mine. My focus to help had to be from a personal perspective.
As I hit the two year mark this month since David, my late husband, went to be with the Lord – I find yet again another topic I can write about. The challenges one faces when ‘left alone’ – well they are many.
When there is no ‘special person’ to help with the dishes or the shopping, no ‘special person’ to talk with on an evening, or go for a walk with, or holiday with. Because David is no longer here to talk things over with me, or wash my car, bring the washing in when it starts to rain, or hold my hand, give me a hug, smile and tells me he loves me. Then what is there? There is a great big ‘miss you’ hole that needs to be filled.
But it can’t just be filled with busyness or family & friends – although they are of tremendous importance and wonderful help.
The ‘miss you’ hole can only be filled by a love that transcends any one on one earthly love. It can only be filled by the peace, comfort and understanding love of our Creator God. There is a need to be made whole before one can move on and He knows the way to do that so lovingly and caringly, and will do it in the time He knows that each individual needs.
Only God can heal the heart and fill the hole. God has helped me see the sunshine and smell the roses again and He can do that for anyone who needs a loving touch from Him.
God cares so much for each and every one; He looks into situations and brings a solution – one that brings hope for the future. In James 1:27 – He looks at the needs of the widow and orphan – and He gives instruction to go and help. Through my bereavement my eyes have been opened even more to widows and orphans – I have felt the pain and solitude of being alone and it has made me so much more aware of how we need to see people through the eyes of God and reach out with care and love.
I have been so blessed to have wonderful loving, family and friends. A quote I recently read – ‘friends are the family you choose’ – it is good to have friends and family.
So for the coming month – Can you take up the challenge in James 1:27? – can you look around – when you’re out shopping or about your daily life – is there someone whose life could be brightened by a smile, a kind word or act from you; you will never know if you don’t hold out a compassionate hand of friendship.
Make Today Count.
Love & blessings
Barbara