My husband knows I love rocks. He will often bring rocks to me after a long trip. A few years ago, my husband came back from a 3-week mission trip and presented me with a rather large chunk of onyx. It weighs about 100 pounds and stands about 30” tall. The rock holds a prominent place in my garden and I can see it every time I look out my window. The rock stands strong and true weathering all the elements. I look at the rock and am reminded of his love for me.
I’ve often heard from friends, family, acquaintances phrases like “I don’t know how you do it”, “You’re so strong”, and “I can’t imagine what you are going through.” They are valid statements offered from the heart at a time when there really are no words that can express their sense of helplessness regarding my situation. I sincerely appreciate people who are brave enough to take time to talk to me about my loss.
Each time someone would say “I don’t know how you do it” or “You’re so strong”, I try to point them back to God. For those who will listen, I take the time to tell them how, in the deepest pit of grief, the only thing I knew to be true was God’s love for me, that Jesus is my savior and that I know I WILL see my son again; not in my timing but in God’s perfect timing.
You see, Jesus is my rock. His love and mercy have sustained me all these months. When God promises that he knows His plans for me, I have no choice but to trust that promise. If I don’t, if I can’t, if I give up on Him, I will be lost. I will have no rock on which to stand.
The Garden of Grace 