Hi everyone,
So it has been just over a week since my father’s passing, and I am hanging in there. I want to express my gratitude to all of you that have reached out and offered condolences, care, and support, it really means a lot to me. In some ways I think this life event has brought be closer to my mom and my siblings, my wife and children, and my friends and those around me that personally knew my father. For that, I am grateful.
But it is still hard. It still hurts. And a I am still sad.
I’ve shared this song in a sermon before (years ago), and it remains one of my favourites. The song is called “Unglued” by Christian artist Michael Tait. I listen to this song a lot when someone close to me dies, so it seemed entirely appropriate to be listening to it now (this is not an official video, but rather just one that we are allowed to view in Canada).
I will get better though, and I will return to my regular weekly preaching schedule.
These are the readings for this coming Sunday:
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
As I read these texts with all this emotion and pain and questions in my head, one theme resounded for me. One thing stood out and hit me like a tonne of bricks. One promise caught my eye and gave me comfort.
And that is that God is in control.
Even when we think we have a handle on things, it is God who watches over it all. When we are grasping to regain our bearings and command over ourselves, it is God who supports and lifts up. When we think that we are the ones who know best and want to manipulate things, it is God who brings out the right timing for all things.
I know, this doesn’t always bring us comfort when we are going through some stuff. It might not help our healing when we think it is up to someone else. It isn’t always reassuring to know that we are not in control.
But perhaps it is when we know that it is God in control. God, our Redeemer, the first and last, our rock, our refuge, our strength. There is none like this God of ours, and God declares us beloved children and held in arms of love.
So I know that in my pain and sadness, God is present and lifting me up to remember my dad with fondness, to honour his life with respect, and to know love from both my biological father and my heavenly father and in turn show others that love that was graciously shown. They say time heals all wounds, but I say that it is God that heals, in God’s way and in God’s time. That is my firm believe and put my faith in that promise.
Peace be with you all.