November 13
Walking this path has its challenges. Some days are easier than others, I get up and out, meet with friends, accomplish things. And then other days, I get up and spend it alone, sometimes getting things done, sometimes I finish the day having nothing to show for it.
I thought I had come out of the fog, but it’s still around me. I struggle to focus on anything. I do what must be done…and some things become less essential as the day progresses.
I miss Norm. There’s a hole in my life. He was my biggest cheerleader and encourager in the ventures I took on. I didn’t realize how much I relied on his ever present support. I miss his wise suggestions. I miss having someone who listened to my ideas and asked the right questions. I miss making plans for our next adventure. I miss watching him play with Sierra and Sawyer.
Even though it’s still hard to reach out in the pain, I know that God has provided friends and family to come alongside and encourage and support me.
Where’s the joy?
I am thankful for the almost 45 years I had with Norm, the memories are good.
I pray for guidance in this walk, that I will be able to reach out not only for help, but also to be an encouragement to others.
I rejoice in the God of my salvation who loves me no matter what and will be with me every step of the way.
Where’s the joy? Tough thought today, yesterday in our Bible study we discussed the need to respond, not react. We can’t change our situation, but we can change our attitude.
This is the Psalm I read this morning, it helped to adjust my attitude.
Bless the Lord, o my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the Lord, o my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
The Lord performs righteous deed and judgements for all who are oppressed.
He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the sons of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness.
He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever.
He has not dealt with us according to our sin, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.
As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes. When the wind has passed over it, it is no more, and its place acknowledges it no longer.
But the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children, to those who keep His covenant and remember His precepts to do them.
The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignty rules over all.
Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word!
Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will.
Bless the Lord, all you works of His, in all places of His dominion;
Bless the Lord, O my soul!
Psalm 103
I can choose every day to praise the Lord regardless of how I feel or what comes my way.
TRICIA LATHROP 