Good Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Four years ago, I came home to Tulsa after spending a beautiful Thanksgiving week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with my son and his family after a whirlwind previous couple of weeks of decisions to be made, funeral preparations, and all the "to do's" after my Honey graduated to heaven.

Cabo was just what I needed – to get away – find that place of consolation, peace and serenity. Everything about the previous few weeks – in fact, the last eight months seemed quite surreal. But, I had walked through the valley of the shadow of death, and, because of this profound place of peace, I literally feared no evil. God was there to comfort me – that was His promise in Psalm 23 – He had kept His promise. I was comforted.

My eyes welled up in tears as I walked from my plane down the concourse and approached the waiting area, as this was the first time that I arrived back in Tulsa, with my Honey not waiting for me.  BUT, what to my wandering and teary eyes would appear…. but my two, then, “Tulsa” grandkids, running to me with open arms and screaming, “Nana, Nana! We made you cards and presents!"  Oh, sweet distraction from my previous thoughts! Getting into the car, they excitedly displayed their “Welcome Home” handmade cards and ice cream stick creations – one to hold my pens and pencils, and the other, a drink coaster and ice cream stick crosses. They were little chatter boxes all the way home.  Oh, how my Heavenly Father gave me exactly what I needed, once again – “good tidings of comfort and joy” that comes from a loving Father in the form of the purity of two little children who love me so much.

Of course, when I arrived back at home -- I had waves of emotions -- when I saw his pictures, his clothes, the fingerprints of his life all over our home.  I missed him beyond words, but I was never overcome with even a moment of grief (definition: deep mental anguish, as that arising from bereavement) or sorrow (definition -- mental suffering or pain caused by injury, loss, or despair). Both of those words talk about "mental" suffering. I refused to go there. No, I was not in denial. I was in that "secret place” of the Most High – abiding under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1). I had a choice – to be in sorrow and grief – or to celebrate each day that God would give me.  I chose to open the windows wide – to listen to joyful Christmas music – to shine the Christmas lights brightly -- to laugh with my grandchildren while making Christmas cookies -- to call a friend and encourage them –- to raise my voice in song, especially singing, “God is so good”. I will finish strong! I will be a conqueror!

I purpose to live out my faith with joy instead of sorrow, dancing instead of mourning, wearing a garment of praise instead of a spirit of heaviness. Yes, at this beautiful time of the year…we can all sing the words “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, let NOTHING you dismay, remember Christ, our Savior, was born on Christmas Day, Oh tidings of comfort and joy!”

Free of Pain, Worry & Sorrow -- Living With Gratitude

TBT!  Remembering sweetly....past Thanksgivings!

It was early part of the year, 2010, when our son said he wanted us to join his family for Thanksgiving at their place in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  Ron and I made it a part of our goals for the year.  But then, as the year progressed, and my Honey's health changed so drastically, when Ryan asked about reserving our flights, I told him, "Faith says to go ahead and book….but wisdom says, 'buy travel insurance'!"

Just shortly after my Honey "went home", our son and his family arrived in Tulsa.  Ryan was already urging me to go to Cabo with them on Sunday, after the marathon.  Initially, I hesitated, thinking there was just too much to do -- "I have more responsibilities now, and I need to be responsible."  But with the emphatic prompting of our children, I realized, "This is what my Honey would want me to do -- to get away and get refreshed."   But when I was unable to find my passport (my Honey had his secret hiding places), it seemed that maybe I wasn't supposed to go, after all.  But our daughter, Staci, in her own "search and rescue" efforts, heard the words..."in my sock drawer".  Her "hearing" from God, and I believe, my Honey, led her straight to that drawer -- felt behind the drawer, that's inside the drawer, and there they were.  It most definitely was meant to be.  I started getting excited about the trip.  I knew that's where I was supposed to be for the next week.

The first photo posted here, was our family Thanksgiving in Tulsa, without Papa!  You can see how we were able to express complete joy and celebration for the many Thanksgivings we had with him, and now celebrating and thanking God for our lives to live strong and make him proud of us.

On Sunday, after the marathon, we flew to Cabo.  It was the perfect place of beauty,  tranquity and warmth to refresh, revive and remember the man I loved so dearly.   I woke at 5 am each morning to enjoy the magnificent sunrise on the crashing waves.  Oh how sweet was the presence of my loving Father.  Then, my son announced that we (my two oldest grandsons, our son and I) were going on a deep sea fishing expedition.  I was so giddy and excited.  I knew my Honey would want it to be this way.  He would want me free of pain, worry and sorrow.   Lobo, the captain of our boat, told me he was taking us to el lugar secreto (the secret place) to find the fish.  He did.  Reeling in the Mahi Mahi, shown in the photo, was a thrill of a lifetime.

Like Lobo taking us to "the secret fishing place", I have found myself, as well -- in the secret place.  Psalm 91:1,2 -- "He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say to the LORD, 'My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!'"   Why shouldn't I feel this peace?   God promised it to me if  I would live in that place.  It's a choice I must make daily.   John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   I shall go forward -- enjoying the memories, the sweetness of loving and being loved, choosing to be care-free and unafraid…….and daily living in that el lugar secreto!