Sunsets hold a variety of memories for me. I remember riding through the mountains with my husband. We'd stop and marvel as the sun made its exit in a brilliant array of colors.They mark the end of a day and the beginning of night. Little did we know we would soon face our own sunset. As life ebbed from him, the night season began for me. Tomorrow is the third anniversary of his journey beyond the sunset.
It wasn't an easy time, but God carried me in His arms. Now, the sun is peaking over the horizon. The dark night is giving way to shafts of light. I will go on. As Psalm 118:17 says, "I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord."
Joy comes in the morning.
Oh Susan, what a beautiful post. I hope today will be full of light for you.
ReplyDeleteHi Jess -
ReplyDeleteThank you. It's been a dark night of the soul the last three years. I'm ready for the sunrise.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I am so thankful you are once again seeing that sun shine over the horizon:))
ReplyDeleteHi Terri -
ReplyDeleteThanks for your prayers and support.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I just can't imagine what the experience of losing a spouse is like. I watched my Mom struggle with losing my dad many years ago and it was so hard for her. Blessings to you as your sun begins to rise!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting that, Susan. Yes, joy does come in the morning. I'll keep you in my prayers today.
ReplyDeleteHi Jody -
ReplyDeleteI think each of our experiences is unique. Through this, I discovered it was far different than losing a grandparent, parent, or friend.
Thank God for all the wonderful friends, family, and GriefShare for helping me weather the storm.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Cindy -
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I appreciate your prayers.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Thank you for sharing with us, Susan. I know your story will be encouraging to so many people. I know it is for me. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Emily Ann -
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome.
I hope it will encourage those going through rough times. They feel so permanent when you're going through them. Yet, the Lord brings us into the sunshine as we depend on Him.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Susan, thank you for sharing your heart. Sunsets and sunrises, beautiful illustrations, a time for each.
ReplyDelete"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." Malachi 4:2
Isn't it great that God gives us rest in the darkness and refreshing in the light of sunrise. Sometimes the darkness seems to last forever, but it's the orbit that God put into place and the sunrise always reminds us that he is still there.
ReplyDeleteLovely thought to start the week - Thank you Susan.
That scripture has long been one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing with us. Praying for you, my dear friend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Karen
Susan, your strength has been such an inspiration for me. Soon and very soon, we will all be with Jesus and I for one can't wait until His glorious return. Thank you for writing this beautiful post that so touched my heart today.
ReplyDeleteHi Carla -
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love that scripture. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Jan -
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts. He carries us when we're unable to walk on our own. I'm glad I know Him.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen -
ReplyDeleteI've had that scripture taped to my computer for several years. Thanks for your prayers.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers and encouragement. You've walked with me through this time almost from when Beloved was first diagnosed with leukemia.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I lost my step-mom about 3 years ago and my dad has just begun to see the sunrise. He can finally celebrate the life they shared together. Last year my brother-in-law lost his wife... and he is still in the dark of the sunset. Such a beautiful illustration... and from the heart. It really blessed me and helps me to see the place they each are in. Thank you Susan. Praying for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Mary Ann -
ReplyDeleteMy condolences on your losses.
I'm glad my post helped you understand how they were feeling.
Although the Lord comforted me and led me through that dark time, it's difficult to describe the pain losing a spouse generates.
Blessings,
Susan
These anniversaries bring back memories both painful and sweet. May the Lord continue to hold and help you, dear Susan.
ReplyDeleteSusan-
ReplyDeleteMay the God of all comfort be with you during this time.
I'm so thankful for a God who carries our burdens, and I pray He continues to lighten your sorrows as you start this new walk in the sunrise.
Love,
Kristen
Hi Jen -
ReplyDeleteYes, bittersweet describes my memories well. At least, they no longer carry a knife-sharp edge.
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Kristen -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers.
Blessings,
Susan
Susan, what a treasured moment. Your healing and trust in God is so evident in this beautiful post. Thank you for sharing God's goodness with us!
ReplyDeleteBTW - I'm curious if you are going to write something about the thief on the cross w/ Jesus. Now, you got my brain going. Bet you anything, He saw Jesus' ministry first hand. Jesus did hang out with the least of these ;-)
Beautiful words! Your hubby must have been a wonderful man to catch a special lady like you.
ReplyDeleteI will keep you in my thoughts and prayers tomorrow.
So sorry to hear of your loss. You have a beautiful testimony and I pray that you will experience a magnificent sunrise! Hugs & blessings to you especially on this day!
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan, thanks for sharing from your pain that joy does come in the "morning" for those of us who call on Christ. Sigh. I will pray that you will soon feel sun rays beaming bright and warm.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, dear one.
Patti
Susan, Thank you for sharing your memories with us. I've been praying for you and remembering that Tuesday is the anniversary of David's passing. May the Lord bless you tomorrow with a beautiful sunrise.
ReplyDeleteHugs, dear friend.
Jean
Beautiful. I need this this so much.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you, Susan!
Hi Patti -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Jean -
ReplyDeleteI'm planning on doing all my normal Tuesday stuff, including working on my book. David was a great supporter of my writing. I think it would have pleased him to know I've written two manuscripts, and I'm working on a third.
Thanks for your prayers.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Schmologna -
ReplyDeleteI'm glad this ministered to you. Are you okay? I was at your blog several times, and all is silent.
If there's anything I can do, email me at susanjreinhardt (at) gmail (dot) com.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Maria -
ReplyDeleteThank you for your prayers. I appreciate your kindness. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Alisa -
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by and commenting. I hope all those going through the loss of a loved one will see there is healing.
I'll have to meditate further on the idea and see what the Lord wants me to do with it. It might become a devotional, a short story, or even a book down the road.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Alisa -
ReplyDeleteYes, he was a wonderful man. I'm glad we had some special years together.
Blessings,
Susan
Beautiful post. I can't imagine going through such a time without God to cling to. He is my rock.
ReplyDeleteI am thankful for the promise of joy.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful words from your heart. May God's love embrace you! Hugs, Rita
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a sad but hopeful time with us. May the light shine brighter and brighter as you go on in the giftings of your life.
ReplyDeleteHi Lily -
ReplyDeleteI can't either, Lily. He is my Rock, my fortress. In Him will I trust.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Nancy -
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and commenting. I'm believing for a good 2010.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Hi Rita -
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hug. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Susan,
ReplyDeleteGod loves you very much. He holds you in His hand and keeps you safe. He is your provider and your protector. He will never leave you. He is the Author and the Finisher of your faith.
Hi Janalyn -
ReplyDeleteAmen! He takes good care of me.
Blessings,
Susan :)
may the Son's rays warm your face as you look to the horizon with hope for the future the Lord has planned for you
ReplyDeleteSusan:
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this when I did my blog reading.
This is a beautiful tribute to your David. I know you still miss him.
God holds us in his loving arms and draws us close to Him and keeps us there as long as we need.
Hi Jaime -
ReplyDeleteThank you. Many of my hopes for the future involve writing and speaking. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Quiet Spirit -
ReplyDeleteHe was an extraordinary man, and I miss him very much. The pain may be a gentle sadness now, but not a day goes by that I don't think about him.
Blessings,
Susan
Susan, this is beautiful but brought tears to my eyes. Joy does come in the morning. I'm happy you have so many memories to recall. He must have been a blessing to you. I know you were a blessing to him.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Katt
Hi Katt -
ReplyDeleteI've found tears are necessary to the healing process, and shed many along the way. Hopefully, at some point I'll be able write on processing grief or incorporate it into one of my manuscripts.
Blessings,
Susan
Oh, Susan. I wish I'd made it over here earlier in the week. When I think of losing my hubby, I feel like my heart is sliced. What comfort, though, in knowing I'd meet him in the sunrise.
ReplyDeleteSaddness and joy. Bitter and sweet. How do people manage without God?
Praying for you.
Hi Sandra -
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kindness. I'm doing okay even though I miss him a lot.
Blessings,
Susan