Sometimes life breaks into so many pieces, there’s no putting it back together, at least not the way it was. Grief swirls at my ankles over all that is lost, yet excitement infuses what lies ahead. A new beginning; commemorating a fresh start. I’ve moved to the edge.
“Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:3 NIV
Starting over
Sorting through old photos, my family’s true history resurfaced in images of genuine smiles and affection. Denying the past is a second betrayal.
Tucked among birthday and anniversary cards declaring marital bliss, the familiar cursive writing whispered from a pink envelope. Sliding the card from its sheath, I savored my grandmother’s words from long ago,
“Love, Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa.”
Twelve years ago, my grandparents nearly left this world together, with funerals nine days apart. Now I held a gift from them in my hands, literally. Two green bills fluttered out when I opened the Hallmark birthday card – twenty-five dollars in cash. Sure glad it wasn’t a check!
Old treasure made new
How very appropriate for this particular week. My grandparents gave me one last priceless gift in perfect timing. Within twenty four hours, I read my own divorce decree through blurry eyes. Although the marriage was over a long time ago, reality and finality felt heavy. Yet in some ways it was a relief. After a four year battle, it was over and I lost, but I’m ready to start over and I needed a mile marker to commemorate a fresh start.
Commemorating a fresh start
To mark the beauty eclipsing the past, I invested the $25 in a tangible gift to myself. Since I was the only customer in the store, the clerk followed me to help choose my prize. Opening the blue leather cover, letters on the page swam along with the emotions in my heart.
“Your word is completely pure, and your servant loves it.” Psalm 119:140 HCSB
Stroking the smooth page, I knew this was it. This is how I want to spend my birthday money; this is how I want to commemorate the end of my marriage and my new beginning.
A new Bible
While I waited for only my first name to be engraved on the cover, I noticed I wasn’t alone in the store anymore. Plucking cards from the rack, a man announced his wife’s birthday as he looked for perfect words to pledge his love and commitment. Yeah, I’ve got a box of those cards too and I still believe every word was sincere. Ironically, his marriage nearly ended for the same reason mine did, except their story ended restored, reconciled, redeemed.
He held 4 ounces of words of flawed faithfulness in his hands, and I held nearly a pound of Words of perfect faithfulness in mine #FaithfulWord Click To Tweet“I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 NLT
Then again, my story isn’t over and God is always faithful. Chin up, I walked out and knew I got a good deal: treasured memories from the past, blended with hope for the future and the Word of God to serve as an altar of praise for the One who is enough. Forever.
I tell my story because I want you to have the same hope; to know that God is enough and His word sustains.
“But the word of the Lord endures forever.” 1 Peter 1:25 HCSB
What a beautiful gesture of compassion the Lord gave you! A fresh hug from your grandparents, what could be better? He lives!
Indeed!
Sweet friend, if I were there I would give you a warm hug, sit with you and sip on a cup of tea. Some life journeys are bitter but God grants us encouragement in unexpected places. That precious card complete with their gift tucked inside is a tangible reminder God is with you even now.
You just did give me a hug!
I love the way the Lord made a way for you to find the gift from your grandparents at that moment, as a way to let you know they are always there for you as He is always here for us.
“Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.””
Hebrews 13:5 NKJV
Only God in His timing
what a God wink that sweet card from your grandparents was and what a perfect find. God knows what we need and just when we need it the most. love and blessings to you on your new beginnings. Life isn’t always easy, but so thankful for the Hope and Assurance we have in Christ!!!! Love and hugs!!!
Perfect timing