INSPIRASUNS

A few days ago, following the funeral of my brother-in-law, several family members went to spend time at their family’s farmland. My sister-in-law owns a large portion of the wooded area that is simply beautiful. We used to spend many a Thanksgiving weekend celebrating the Rally of the Clan on this land. We’d have a huge bonfire, a chili lunch, wander the creek bed, the kids would climb the huge trees, childhood friends would come from all over, it was an amazing time.

On Friday, we walked down many a memory lane. We recalled so many wonderful times. We looked at the creek, gazed at the farmhouse where my husband and his siblings grew up, heard stories, and enjoyed the beautiful afternoon.

Many pictures were taken that day. I found myself snapping photos of the beautiful land. The farmland had just been harvested, and the blue sky accented all of it.

When my husband and I were headed home on Saturday, I had a chance to look at my gallery of photos while we were sitting at the airport. I stopped, almost dumbfounded when I looked at one of the first photos that I had taken at the farm. I had taken a picture of the field between the farmhouse and the woods where we stood. On Saturday afternoon, when the picture appeared in my gallery, all I could do was smile and thank Jesus for sharing Mac with us that afternoon.

The picture was that of a freshly harvested corn field, with an old barn in the background. But from the sky came the most gorgeous sunray from a cloud. I didn’t see it when I took the picture. Maybe that was on purpose. Maybe Father knew that I, we, would need to see proof that Mac was with us. We all felt him there that day for sure, but this, this was a sign from our Lord that all was well, Mac was home, and we would see him again.

There are times in this life when things seem so hard, when we feel pain and uncertainty, we feel lost and alone, we feel tired and unsure. Friends, don’t ever doubt the power of our Lord to heal, to strengthen, and to bring peace. He is with us here in this world. He holds those who have gone before us in the life everlasting, and He always lets us know that He will never leave us. The simple photo from Friday is proof, no doubt that our Lord is with us. Don’t give up on God, don’t walk away from Him, give in to Him fully, and accept the unimaginable love that only He can give.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.