See You Later

Lord, my God, I will praise You with all my heart. “I will honor Your name forever.” Psalm 86:12

On November 17, 2016, 150 pink and purple balloons were released at the cemetery as we said our final “see you later” to our sweet Shelly. It was a beautiful sight—a way to look to the sky as the balloons slowly drifted out of sight. We felt the hope of the great reunion we’d have with Shelly and other loved ones and friends some day. As Shelly’s mother, it was my way of returning her to the Lord, who so graciously loaned her to me for a season. Humanly, I didn’t want to do that, but spiritually my faith gave me the strength to take that step. A few days later, literally just around the corner from Shelly’s house, and miles from the cemetery, a friend/neighbor found one of the balloons in her yard.

It is amazing to think how good our God is through these times. We trust and believe that His plan is best, even though we don’t understand His timing. He is not restricted nor does He operate on our time schedule. Someday, we will understand that part better, but I really don’t think that it will be important to us then. To Him be glory forever!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, how we love and trust You, the One who holds all things together. Father, when times are challenging hold us fast. When we are on the mountaintop, hold us fast. Whatever season we are in, please hold us fast. Without You, life would be hopeless, but because You are our Waymaker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, and Light in the Darkness, we have nothing to dread or fear. We praise You and thank You for lavishing Your love, grace, and mercy upon us as You do. Help us in turn to live a life that is pleasing to You, and help us to pass Your love and the hope of Jesus onto a lost and dying world. I pray this in Jesus name and for His sake. Amen.