Enduring Love

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. – (Psalm 136:1, NIV)

Praise the Lord because He is good. His faithful love will last forever. – (Psalm 136:1, ERV)

Let your heart overflow with praise to the Eternal, for He is good, for His faithful love lasts forever. – (Psalm 136:1, VOICE)

Yesterday, as we gathered to celebrate the life of my dear friend’s mom, I could not help but walk away in awe of God’s goodness and faithfulness. Not only was the celebration of life a true celebration, but it was an opportunity to hear of God’s ongoing faithfulness both to her and through her. Additionally, the gathering provided a time and place for old friends to reconnect as we stood beside our dear friend through her loss. There was laughter and joy in long-established connections, and comfort and peace in knowing with certainty that her mom was now truly home. Words cannot adequately describe the good that was experienced by all. For me, it was a beautiful reminder of our reasons to give thanks to God for His goodness, and glaring evidence that His love lasts forever. May we ever give thanks to the Lord, for He is so good.

The goodness of God,

Is made evident;

As loved ones gather,

Beautiful event.

For from far and near,

Together we joined;

In love, remembered,

God’s goodness employed.

For hearts connected,

By grace reunite;

In love, together,

Walk in true delight.

All thanks be to God,

To whom we give praise;

Brings joy in sorrow,

Hope for all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are good and that Your love lasts forever. Thank You that we are granted reminders of this when we gather with great friends whom we have not seen in years. Thank You that the way we pick up where we left off, as if no time has passed, is but a glimpse of how amazing Your love truly is. Forgive us for the times that we do not trust in Your goodness and grace. Teach us to cling closely to You forever, for Your love knows no end and Your faithfulness is eternal. Show us how to love those around us in ways that allow Your light to shine clearly. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we give thanks for Your goodness and praise You for Your faithful love that lasts forever. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15

United in Peace

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – (Ephesians 4:3, NIV)

You are joined together with peace through the Spirit. Do all you can to continue as you are, letting peace hold you together. – (Ephesians 4:3, ERV)

Make every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit has already created, with peace binding you together. – (Ephesians 4:3, VOICE)

 

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the celebration of life for my father-in-law with my husband, sister-in-law, her husband, and my brother-in-law. Incredibly, despite the eclectic collection of family brought together by loss, there was a sense of peace in the room, despite normal tensions between some of the various family members. Everyone seemed to set aside their differences for the sake of celebrating their eldest sibling/uncle. Stories were shared around tables, and much laughter filled the room. I think Donald would have been pleased to see smiling faces, rather than tears, and delighted at the distance that so many traveled to gather in his honor. The sentiment that Mark, his brother and I walked away with, was gratitude. We were thankful for the opportunity to see the aunts, uncles and cousins all together in one place, and to have had a positive and peaceful gathering together with family.

 

Each chance that we get,

6/7 of the remaining siblings in top photo. Their children in photo below.

Rise up and choose peace;

Preserve what God gives,

Allow grace release.

A spirit of peace,

Invites others in;

Broadens your circle,

It’s how grace begins.

Go forth in God’s grace,

Sow always, His peace;

Let God’s love be known,

For it shall not cease.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness and grace that grants us peace in places it seems unlikely. Thank You for empowering us with Your Spirit to extend peace wherever we go. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected our role as purveyors of peace. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would depend on You to go before us, walk beside us, and dwell within us in peace. Show us how to love those around us in ways that promote Your peace wherever we go. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rise up and share Your peace wherever we go. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. – Psalm 29:11