I watched him step off the bus and take a few tentative steps toward the parking lot.
He stood motionless, gazing toward my car.
My heart sank ~ again.
As I watched him it was quite evident to me that he couldn’t tell that it was our old beat up Versa right in front of him…
But then, I don’t know what he did or didn’t see. He sometimes tells me that he sees a gauzy haze in front of his eyes.
I opened the door and called his name.
My heart ached, but we moved on.
Yes, with my husband’s loss of vision there are often waves of sadness that sweep over me. His voracious reading habit gone… His delight in watching our little granddaughter, or seeing the cats wrestle..
His independence…
Things we took for granted.
But God makes all the difference.
God stepped into my husband’s life about six years ago and brought salvation and new life in Christ.
He now trusts in and relies on God, moment to moment.
He no longer fears death, as he did in the past.
Our relationship has grown and changed; together we face a joyous future because we belong to the Lord Jesus Christ.
I understand more and more the shining rewards of a lasting love relationship. And our marriage will last, no matter what.
You know, I don’t question God, because I’ve come to realize that God is accomplishing HIS purpose in our lives, and all is well. My life is filled with joy! You may be a little surprised at that, but it’s true nevertheless. Romans 8:28 confirms this for me.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Corrie ten Boom, an extraordinary Dutch Christian, knew this well. She told her story in the inspirational book, THE HIDING PLACE. Corrie’s life was as dramatic and tragic as you could imagine. Her family was persecuted and murdered during World War II by the Nazis because they hid and saved many Jews from death. She walked with Christ through unimaginable disasters. One of her most brilliant observations on the Christian walk is this:
“Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives, is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”
~Corrie ten Boom, THE HIDING PLACE
If you don’t know about her, I would urge you to find her book (http://www.amazon.com/The-Hiding-Place-Corrie-Boom/dp/0553256696), see the movie (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073109) and check out these websites:
http://ww.tenboom.org
http://www.corrietenboom.com/history.htm
Just as Corrie knew, God is shaping us, molding us, conforming us to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ our Savior.
God, in His wisdom, gives us everything we need, for today and for all our tomorrows.
He will sustain us, guide us, and provide all the security we need as we face the uncertain future.
He loves us and has a perfect plan for our lives; at the end of the day it all goes back to the simple, yet profound, blessing of having a relationship with Him.
I Corinthians 13:4-8
“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self seeking.
It is not easily angered, it keeps not record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
Always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”
As a young girl I believed that love could conquer any obstacle.
Today I know that love does conquer any and every obstacle.
It’s been proven to me.
I understand real love because I am loved by God.
If you’re young and in love, God bless you!
Hang on, hang on, and enjoy that ride.
If you’re older and still in love, God bless you!
You’ve learned
The secret to a successful love relationship:
God’s love overflowing in you both, as you seek to follow Christ and conform to His image!
Sweet Becky- so beautifully said- and that kind of love is found when going through the “deep” places of life. For He is near us and precious in our pain and sadness. Thank you for your transparency and your words of hope and encouragement! Can’t wait to get to know you better- sister in Christ & new twitter buddy!
You’re so kind, Cindy! I appreciate your friendship and your prayers. Love and hugs to you and the family!!
Becky, Your blog reflects a beautiful heart…yours. You are blessing many by sharing your faith in Christ.
Your friend, Adele Bower
Thank you so much, Adele! I treasure your friendship and am honored to have you read my blog!