Wednesday, September 05, 2007

A Time to Love...

Have you ever had something to say that you just didn't think you could put into words?Something so deep and so close to your heart that it felt almost too personal to talk about? As if reducing those thoughts and feelings into words would cheapen them somehow.
This post is my attempt to put words to something that I feel goes painfully far
beyond actual words. Perhaps at times you have felt this way before, and know what I mean.
" For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal;a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew;a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace." Ecc 3:1-8

There is no easy way to say this but am going to go ahead and try. After twelve plus years of battling ALS, my father-in-law, who I love so dearly has now reached the final stages of the disease. In the last three weeks we have made four trips to Id. to be with our family. And spent precious time with "Papa Bob" and all the rest of our family. In the past few weeks we have seen what David loves to refer to as, " the biggest miracle of his life. " As God has healed hearts and hurts. As forgiveness has been asked and given. There has been a time to build up, after years of painful distance between David's Dad and his children, and a "tearing down" caused by the blindness that affects someone, infected with bitterness. David has 10 siblings so, you can imagine the magnitude of that. In the past few weeks his Dad has been saying the things that he and his brothers and sisters have longed to hear. Endless words of love, affirmation, and praise. It brings tears to my eyes to remember the simple, heartfelt words he whispered into my ear last weekend, "three treasures." Making sure I knew how precious David, Annabelle and I are to him. The transformation has been so beautiful to witness. God has been so glorified. And we are all living in the light of answered prayers. It gives us such real hope, even in the midst of the deep sadness we know his losing him will bring. Our loss. His gain. We will miss him so terribly, but are comforted knowing that he is soon to be safe in Jesus arms.
The happiest, best place any of us could ever be.
-Precious Moments-
Annabelle and David with Papa

6 comments:

swell.life said...

What a beautiful post! Thanks so much for sharing and may you feel God's loving arms wrapped tightly around you and your family. Isn't it amazing how He works in us and through us during times of trial and sorrow?

Leslie said...

tears Chelle, Tears...
Boy is it not easy to accept some of those seasons.
Grief is a crazy thing, it can slip in before you even fully realize it... I will praying for you guys as you deal with that.
How awesome is it, to see prayers fulfilled and answered..and how much easier on his family when his time does come, to not have all that baggage and bitterness. What a beautiful post, and story, and life, and.. and and and..
Your a blessing to me by your words! Love that you caught that photo.
Leslie

Anonymous said...

What a testimony you are, Chelle, and what a blessing that you and David can live out your days in complete peace and faith that God is truly our healer and has worked so marvelously in your family. What a testimony you are in light of difficult circumstances and loss and facing a new season. Thank you for candidly sharing - I pray many will be blessed and inspired to live and love in light of the great gift of the LORD and not hang on to things that destroy. Thank you for living in such a loving and understanding manner regardless the circumstances. Our prayers are with you and for you. You are a tremendous gift to the family. I pray you will be comforted and strengthened as you walk through the days ahead. with love - pamela

meg said...

What a beautiful post; my eyes & heart are filled with gratitude for the gift you all have been given. I truely believe that those sweet memories & assurances will carry your family through the difficult days ahead; blessing, dear girl.

Anonymous said...

Oh Chelle, This post has touched my heart. Thank you so much for your honesty and your testimony. We all need to be reminded sometimes that our God is a God of restoration and He can heal those hurts that are buried deep in our soul. Thank you for the reminder. Such a sweet friend you are and I will be praying for you! Hugs for your sweet family.

Anonymous said...

Chelle, what a beautiful post! And what an amazing story of how God has worked in your family. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with all of us- it is so encouraging to hear how God can bring healing and restoration. I really needed to hear that. I will be praying for you, David, and the rest of your family.
Love, Andi