I wrote about God’s love a few weeks ago. In God’s infinite sense of humor He has reminded me over and over since then —
He loves us. He loves me.
I had the book “A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23” out and I read the first chapter again. I led the singing of that Psalm at my mom’s funeral, so it was on my mind.
That chapter talks about the shepherd purchasing 30 prime ewes and marking them with his own marking.
I just felt his emotions. I tend to understand God’s love in light of how I see creation and the wonderful animal kingdom.
I know that the “wild” can be cruel. Survival of the fittest, we all hear.
But there are moments of sweetness displayed in creation. The look in the eyes of my dog when I tell her that I love her, the slow blink of my cats when I slow blink at them.
Don’t tell me there isn’t feeling, and I tend to see this in light of God’s demonstrated love for us, His children.
Of course it’s on a different level, one that I struggle to comprehend. I am content to hold the imagery of myself and my pets’ relationship. I see that love and simply know that it is a shadow of God’s love for me.
What about human love?
Well, humans are imperfect, sinners, with tendencies to wound. We all must learn to love through our own relationships. Unconditional love is a feat, but we can strive for it.
Marriages can start all rosy-eyed and morph into something that only the will can help. Children can reject you, turn away, exclude you, dishonor you (against God’s own command!)
And yet, as any parent knows, it is almost impossible to NOT love your child.
There are notable exceptions, primarily when mental illness is involved.
So is God’s love for us.
God is teaching me about His love for me, right now, as I grieve my mom’s death.
I got a really bad cold 3 days after the funeral. I was literally in bed, feverish, and congested, miserable. I slept and slept!
I got up this morning and I feel like I can enter society again.
God’s love for me let my body show its weakness and the need to STOP and rest!
I have had a few days of golden summer weather, sunshine and cool air (this is normal Minnesota summer!)
Funny: my dad’s funeral was on a day that there was a blizzard. Being a quiet sort of man, it seemed appropriate that fewer people were even able to show up! We shivered in the driving snow at the cemetery.
My mom’s funeral was on a record-breaking day of heat! The index was 112*!!! We stood at the grave sweating. Many people were able to come to the funeral! (Thank you to all who came!)
My Swedish dad and my Norwegian mom had their differences even in death! (Ha Ha!)
Interesting, as I write this a song came up in my Apple Music line up (randomly). It’s my grief song.
“The Lake Isle,” by Ola Gjello.
I listened to it over and over after my husband Brian died.
The Lord is reminding me that He is caring for me, loving me. This beautiful piece makes my spirit soar even in grief.
Grief sits in the center of your breast, above your heart. It can be stifling.
We need some language of the heart, music, to ease the pain. Soaring sound.
We do not grieve like the heathen.
“For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
“In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Come Quickly, Lord!
MARANATHA!