Promises

This morning, shortly after I got up, I loaded the kids in the car for a quick trip to Dunkin' Donuts for a Saturday treat.  The ground was wet and water was  dripping off the roof,  making it apparent to me that it had rained not that long ago.  Just around the corner, I looked up to see a full rainbow in the sky.  I had to pull over to get a better look and to make sure Drew could see it.  He was so excited.  I said, "Drew, who gave us that rainbow?"  Drew replied, "Jesus!  Jesus is God!"  I have seen more rainbows over the past 2 years living in SW Florida, than I have in my whole life.  And they never cease to amaze me.  The balance of sun and rain has to be perfect and we seem to live in an area where those conditions abound.  Every time I see a rainbow I am reminded of the promises of God.  And there are so many! 

Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my Dad's death-- the day he met his Savior face to face.  It's hard to believe it's been a year already without him here with us.  I miss him terribly.  So many things remind me of him, but the times when I think of him the most  are in church.  My Dad was a wonderful vocalist and chose the songs he would sing carefully, so as to convey the message of Christ in a way that was meaningful.  The hardest Sundays this past year were those days we sang worship songs that talked about when we get to heaven or the praises we'll sing forever when we are in the presence of our Savior.  I couldn't help but picture my Dad, all the time, forever praising the Lord.  There were a few Sundays where either the choir or a soloist sang a song that my Dad had sang.  I don't think I heard the voices of the people who sang-- all I could hear was my Dad's rich voice.

How did I  make it thru this past year without my Dad?  I put my confidence, my faith, my trust, and my hope in the promises of God.  First and foremost, in the promise that Jesus is my Savior. That the blood He shed,  saved me once and for all and that my future after this life is an eternity in heaven with Him.  I have placed my confidence in this promise, because He promised it to my Dad as well.  I know exactly where my Dad is and I know that one day I will join him there.  Thru this past year the Lord has been my comfort, my peace, my strength, my refuge.  All these things, and more, He has promised to those who love Him and call Him Savior.

I'm not saying that this past year has been easy, because I loved my Dad with all my heart.  It's hard to think about all that my family will miss not having him here as a part of our lives.  But I am not without hope!  Romans 8:28: "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." 

So Dad, keep singing with all your might.  It's how I'm always going to picture you.  I can't wait to stand next to you in heaven and hear your voice in my ear as we sing forever praises to the Lord.

Becky