October 31
This time last year, we were in the hospital waiting to hear what treatment plans they had for Norm…but that’s not what I’m going to talk about today.
Last Sunday my son got married to the love of his life. I’m thrilled with his choice, they accept one another and yet find a way to encourage each other to be the best they can be. So sweet.
The week leading up to the wedding I cried a lot, not because they were getting married, but because Norm would not be there. He approved of Mai from the moment he met her, seeing the good she did for Robert. He would have rejoiced with them, giving his blessing on their marriage.
I was concerned that I would just break into sobs at the wedding. Every time I listened to the dance I was to do with Rob, I wept big tears. I had a lot of people praying that I would keep it together. A few tears, yes, sobbing…that would draw attention away from the celebration.
Rehearsal and wedding day, the Lord allowed the joy of the celebration to overtake the sorrow of Norm not attending. He was acknowledged throughout the day…tears, not sobs. Rob and I danced, laughing because we really didn’t practice much. We enjoyed the time.
My daughters struggled with the father/daughter dance, Aimee remembering her wedding day dance with Norm, Jennifer in sorrow that she would never have the chance to dance with him at her wedding.
Norm would have enjoyed it all. He would have laughed and told stories of Rob as a child, as only he could tell them. He would have danced with Aimee and Jennifer. He would have danced with Sierra and Sawyer with joyful abandon.
I’m sure he watched from heaven, loving the joy of the day.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful that Robert found Mai, the love of his life.
I pray for them, that they will enjoy one another through the days to come, the good and the bad.
I rejoice that God continues to pave the way for me to walk this walk, going ahead of me to smooth away rough spots, and walking with me in the times when the rough spots remain.
Where’s the joy? Our love for one another continues in our children and grandchildren and we are able to rejoice in the celebrations of life. We are blessed with the choices our children have made in their partners.
This was the Psalm I read this morning. I need to remember that God has this, that He will continue to help me through…just like He did for the wedding.
Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer.
From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
For You have been a refuge for me, a tower of strength against the enemy.
let me dwell in Your tent forever; Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
For You have heard my vows, O God; You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
You will prolong the king’s life; His years will be as many generations.
He will abide before God forever; Appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him.
So I will sing praise to Your name forever, That I may pay my vows day by day.
Psalm 61
TRICIA LATHROP 