Peace in Grief

scripture John 16:33 with beautiful image of mountains and pink sky

Guest post by Sandi Elzinga –

December, 2001. The last Christmas season my husband and I spent together.

We were focused on the basics. Bill was fast becoming paralyzed and we had no clue what was wrong. We cried out to God and waited through the holidays for the doctor’s diagnosis.

fall scents for your home

While Bill was still able to walk, he and I roamed our neighborhood each evening at dusk, as we did every December. We admired the  houses with their Christmas trees, sparkling lights and front yard snowmen. We then came back to our own undecorated home; our children grown and away, and no plans for Christmas.

It was enough. We were together. And God was with us.

Jesus tells us we will have tribulation in this world, yet He has overcome it. He is our peace.*

Now, I spend each Christmas at my son’s home, along with my children and grandchildren. My daughter-in-law shows her love for all of us through her open arms and gourmet cooking. It’s the party we look forward to all year.

Bill is there somehow…in our hearts and memories, and in the laughter and antics he’s passed on to his children.

It’s enough. We are together.

And God is still with us. He hears our cries of grief and loss. On Christmas, He came as a baby…the Christ Child…born to die on the  cross for you and for me, so we may live forever.

Have you embraced Him in your heart and life? He has come that we may have peace in the midst of our sorrow.

*John 16:33 (NIV)

Originally posted on: Grief Walk – Hope through the dark places

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Peace in Grief
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