{{item.title | uppercase}}

I thank the Lord for this sunny day!

After being deluged by rain and storms recently, the sunshine was a wonderful gift today.

While basking in the sun and watching the high waters on the land recede, I thought about two events in time — the biblical account of Noah and the Ark, and my grief journey.

We read in the account of the Flood in Genesis 7:11-20 how Noah and his family were sealed up in the Ark, protected from the rain that bore down upon it. They were safe from the water that was destroying everything they had known before they entered the Ark. I am sure it must have seemed the rain would never end. Undoubtedly, there was some complaining that took place in that Ark for forty days and nights.

But God remembered Noah….

He closed up the heavens and the rain ceased.

After the rain stopped, it still took time for the waters to recede before Noah was allowed to leave the Ark. He sent first a raven, then a dove not one but three times, to make sure it was safe to disembark. God gave Noah a sign; only then did Noah lead his family onto the dry land to begin their new life.

Post-flood life was totally different and that was probably daunting; Noah had faith that God would provide what they needed. Noah built an alter and offered burnt offerings to the Lord.

Grief sometimes parallels this story of the Flood. My journey certainly did.

On the day my husband died, God preserved me in what I lovingly call my God-bubble; I might also call it my Ark.

As the reality of my nightmare set in, the rains of grief came. Life as I knew it was over. It was scary.

Sometimes it seemed my overwhelming grief would continue forever, with no end in sight. In my own strength the waves of grief would have pummeled me; but I was safe inside God’s ark. God was continuing to work in my life, though much of that time I lived on autopilot. I didn’t know the plan, but I knew I had to go on living.

And God remembered me….

He fed me and comforted me through His Word. I could clearly see His provision for my family.

Slowly over time, my grief took on a different nature. I still missed my husband, but I did not live only to remember the past. I began to see glimmers of hope for the future, no matter what path God had in mind for me.

New friendships brought new areas of ministry. I noticed a renewed spark in my step and a joy for what each day would bring.

I could honestly say that I was content because I trusted in the Lord. Lovingly, God had helped me out of the Ark and into my new life.

And at some time before the three year mark, my heart began to open to the idea of someday loving again. I did not know if that was in God’s plan; but I asked Him to show me clearly if He brought the right man into my life to be my husband.

God did bring the right man, a widower, just a few months later.

We are now happily married, living each day to the fullest. We rejoice in how God has blessed us so richly.

Similarly to Noah and his family after the flood, my life looks nothing like it did before, but I view each day with joy.

Change is hard for this creature of habit and blending families takes work; but as Noah did, I have learned to praise God every day for His faithfulness in both the good times and the bad.

Experiencing an abundance of rainy days helps us learn to appreciate the sun.

Heavenly Father, thank you for carrying us through the dark, rainy days of our grief. We can trust You to buoy us high above our deepest despair. Thank you for having a plan for our lives. Help us to praise You and thank You always. Please let us renew our hope for the future, living each day for Your glory, Amen.