Today would have been my mother-in-law’s birthday. She passed away last July. I miss her in ways I never imagined. She always made me feel special on my birthday. I could ask her to do anything, and she’d drop everything to help. We didn’t always agree, especially on issues of spoiling my children. To be honest, she spoiled us all. She loved her children and grandchildren more than anything on earth, and they could do no wrong in her eyes. Now that I have my own grandchildren, I understand.
January has always been a difficult month for me. For some reason, I feel more keenly the absence of my parents during the winter. I long to sit with them next to the fire, just to talk. I can smell the wood smoke, hear my Daddy laugh and my Mom scold him. If I could just hug them one last time.
Many of my friends are suffering through a difficult season. One sweet friend passed away just before Christmas. We’d lost touch with each other. I regret not taking more time to seek out old friends. Another friend from my childhood lost her husband. My heart is broken for her. It seems so many of us are dealing with the loss of someone we love.
I struggle with winter depression, but reading scripture helps me overcome the darkness. A friend directed my attention to Lamentations 3:22-23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. (23) they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “
Some of the new mercies I experienced last week included: the beauty of a morning sunrise, a cardinal at the bird feeder, and the sweet face of my sleeping grandson. There are new mercies each day, even during a bitter, cold season. The more difficult the season of your life, the more important it is to search for his mercies. Remember, it is just a season you are passing through.
#newmercies #@sheliastovall.com #devotionalnewmercies
Beautifully written and expressed, Sheila. Thanks for sharing. May the sunshine of love be bright enough to keep the joy in your heart throughout the winter.
Thank you for your kinds words Ann. I am thankful God allowed us to meet, one of God’s mercies.
Shelia, your words touched my heart this morning. I’m so thankful for God’s word. I’m so thankful for his grace and mercies in my life.
I’m so glad to hear that my writing touched your heart this morning. I always hesitate before I share my writing.
Sheila, thanks for your inspiring words. Your words were encouraging. What a tough December. I understand what you are saying. My Dad died in January 8 years ago. Life is still wonderful and I am more mindful go how I spend my time and who with, I would really like to catch lunch sometime when I come to Franklin.
Beautifully written and gives me hope today. I have been grieving over changes that remind me that God is in control in all situations; I just need to pray, read His word and do as the Holy Spirit leads. Doesn’t mean that we still are not hurting or grieving, but we can trust in HIM in all circumstances.
Shelia, I am sure it was hard for you to write but so beautiful. Miss her so much!!
Thank you for the reminder that His love is constant and His mercies never fail……I have been strugling to remember that today. It is not by accident I read this today. Thank you. This trial has been very long and has had many twists and turns, but God stays the same…ever faithful! God bless!