March 27
Letting Go….
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21b (NKJV)
They say God is a merciful God, and I believe that with all my heart, but I also believe God tests us. Today, I feel like He is exploring new territory in my life as I am experiencing something I haven’t felt in years … heartache.
Let me go back to that part about mercy. You see, I always wanted a daughter, and I always regretted the fact we never had a little girl, but now I know why—God is merciful. I say that because today I know the truth: it hurts too much when they leave.
For thirteen days we lived an adventure: we housed and fed and thoroughly enjoyed the company of a very shy, gentle, and young Japanese lady. The family bonded with her right away—in spite of the language barrier. Her first real sentence didn’t come until after I upset her morning schedule.
“Take shower now!” she pleaded with her almond eyes.
Later we practiced English by playing Go Fish.
She looked at me with smiling eyes, “Dahd, do you have any … Ace?” I think this was the longest sentence she braved, but it was enough. We were like family. And she was good at cards. She beat me and my young son ten times in a row—each time smiling, laughing joyfully and flashing peace signs at us. Her laugh was infectious but contained, and at times, spontaneous. When I fumbled with my chopsticks at a local restaurant she tried to stifle her giggles, but with little success.
She loved jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku, Ginger Peach tea and Coca Cola, shopping and more shopping. And now … she is gone.
For thirteen days the Lord blessed us with a 17-year old Japanese exchange student named Tomoe.
The Lord still blesses us—with fond memories, with new friends, and new adventures … and email.
Lord, thank You for the people you bring into our lives. Help us make the most of these opportunities by living, by loving, and when necessary by letting go. May your blessing follow Tomoe all the days of her life. May you bless her and all those around her—sky high. Amen.
Letting Go….
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.
Job 1:21b (NKJV)
They say God is a merciful God, and I believe that with all my heart, but I also believe God tests us. Today, I feel like He is exploring new territory in my life as I am experiencing something I haven’t felt in years … heartache.
Let me go back to that part about mercy. You see, I always wanted a daughter, and I always regretted the fact we never had a little girl, but now I know why—God is merciful. I say that because today I know the truth: it hurts too much when they leave.
For thirteen days we lived an adventure: we housed and fed and thoroughly enjoyed the company of a very shy, gentle, and young Japanese lady. The family bonded with her right away—in spite of the language barrier. Her first real sentence didn’t come until after I upset her morning schedule.
“Take shower now!” she pleaded with her almond eyes.
Later we practiced English by playing Go Fish.
She looked at me with smiling eyes, “Dahd, do you have any … Ace?” I think this was the longest sentence she braved, but it was enough. We were like family. And she was good at cards. She beat me and my young son ten times in a row—each time smiling, laughing joyfully and flashing peace signs at us. Her laugh was infectious but contained, and at times, spontaneous. When I fumbled with my chopsticks at a local restaurant she tried to stifle her giggles, but with little success.
She loved jigsaw puzzles and Sudoku, Ginger Peach tea and Coca Cola, shopping and more shopping. And now … she is gone.
For thirteen days the Lord blessed us with a 17-year old Japanese exchange student named Tomoe.
The Lord still blesses us—with fond memories, with new friends, and new adventures … and email.
Lord, thank You for the people you bring into our lives. Help us make the most of these opportunities by living, by loving, and when necessary by letting go. May your blessing follow Tomoe all the days of her life. May you bless her and all those around her—sky high. Amen.
posted by Craig Soderquist at 10:33 AM
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