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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases.
Lamentations 3:22 ESV

Shortly after we moved to this area I became fascinated with windmill lawn ornaments. It seemed they were everywhere in various sizes and colors. People painted them to match their houses or in their favorite team colors–I wanted one. However, our budget was tight and it was one of those “wants” that slipped down on the list. Then one spring day, much like this one, we saw the ad at the same time. They were on sale – at an affordable price! My beloved said, “Let’s go get one”.

The box said assembly required. Now that was an understatement! Not only did our windmill consist of many larger metal pieces, but the box held a huge number of incredibly tiny screws, nuts and bolts. The assembly took my husband practically all day. His hands were so large, yet the screws so tiny. He would periodically pause and rest, because his hands would ache. After the assembly was complete, he had to anchor it in the ground and level it. It was, indeed, a full day’s work. He did it all because of the love he had for me.

That was over fifteen years ago. That windmill has remained – standing firm against torrential rains, fierce winds, pelting hail and winter’s cold. It has been a resting point for birds as they come to eat the seeds of the flowers that grow beneath it. And it is a daily reminder of my husband’s love for me, for it is the first thing I see when I raise the shade on the kitchen window.

It is a gift he did not have to give. That’s what makes it so very special.

There is another gift I have been given. It, too, is a gift of immeasurable love.

It is also represented by a structure – that of a wooden cross.

My windmill is a reminder of the earthly love of my husband. The cross is the assurance of God’s eternal love for me.

God’s love is steadfast and never ceasing. It is a love that has stood guard over me through grief’s storms, and given me a place to rest.

That windmill will not last forever. Eventually it will deteriorate with age.

The love that the Father has for me – and for you, dear reader – has stood the test of time, and will last forever.

As I approach another anniversary of my beloved’s passing, I humbly give thanks to a God who loves me beyond measure – He gave His only Son so I could spend eternity with Him. I thank Him for the twenty-five years my husband and I had together, the love we shared, the windmill, and most importantly – I thank Him for the cross.

Dear Father, I think of the one who is reading these words You have graciously given to me. I ask You now to bless her, Father. Give her a knowledge of Your steadfast love. Touch her hurting heart. Give her peace. Amen