The
Eyes of Love
But the eyes of the LORD
are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing
love…
Psalm 33:18
The funeral service was one of
reflection. Much was said about little Hope’s quick smile, her
infectious laughter, and how she and her pal, Rufus, an eighty pound
English bulldog, had spent much of her short life playing on the
floors of the Tickle home.
As the pastor’s focus shifted from
Hope to facing our own mortality, my thoughts drifted. Images of Hope
dancing with Jesus filled my mind. I could see them hand-in-hand, the
‘Newbie’ to Heaven and the King of Kings! Hope, laughing her
tiny, infectious little laugh, looking up into the eyes of perfect
love, and He, the God of Creation, joining in the laughter, gazing
down at her with an expression of matchless love and devotion.
Brought back to the present by the end
of the service, I was struck by how Hope’s parents were handling
her death. I was witnessing strength born of a transcendent love,
something otherworldly, divine. That love was bearing
them up right now. And with this knowledge came an understanding that
they would be alright; they would, with this divine comfort, and the
support of family and friends, stand together through it all. Because
reflecting from their eyes was Someone else’s love.
†
Today’s text assures us that God’s
eyes do not stray from those who love Him. He is committed to walking
with us through our grief, and carrying us when we can’t walk on
our own in the presence of piercing heartache, emptiness, frustration
and anger, even anger at Him. And this is the love we are to model
not only for our children, but to the world.
We have a responsibility to love beyond
what is humanly possible; to love with a love that is unfailing and
more perfect than we ourselves are capable of. Were it not for God’s
unfailing love being modeled during their childhood, Hope’s
parents’ journey through grief would be entirely different.
God’s love through us can and will
bridge the deepest valleys and light the darkest nights.
Prayer
“Lord, teach me to love
beyond myself, to love with Your unfailing love. And when I’m the
one experiencing the loss, love me through others who have faced this
pain. Amen.”
Wow! Thank you Craig! This means a lot! God definitely has been by our side throughout!! Some days I didn't have any energy or want to get out of bed, but there was something..someone..telling me I MUST get up! You learn a lot about yourself during the grieving process..like how weak you REALLY are and God shows you how strong HE is..PICKING you up day and day out!! I have learned that every second counts and shouldn't be wasted! Hope's passing touched and affected so many people that I can only think that through Hope, God touched each and every single person and that makes me happy. Yes I still hurt, and yes I'm still emotional (as I get as I write this), but knowing this helps! Thank you so much Craig again for sharing! God has given you a gift with words!
ReplyDeleteShirley, Thank you for your kind words. I write when I'm inspired by what I see, and that day this is what God showed me. Thanks for allowing me to share yours and Seth's story, Hope's story, with the world. As of this moment over 50 people worldwide have read about, and witnessed God's great love and strength through your story. Nancy and I still pray for your hearts to remain forged together with the Father's love and guidance. Blessings upon you and the family! And may you always find the strength you need when you come before the Lord!
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