The Time Line

 

 

 

This is suppose to be a surprise for my dad, so don't tell him. I am creating a genealogical chart of his ancestors with stories and pictures I've found during a research project; I plan to present it to him at Christmas. I am blessed to have a copy of my grandmother's family Bible in which she recorded births, marriages, and deaths. It must have been exciting to record each birth and marriage because they are happy events.

Then I considered how sad it must have been to record the deaths. I wondered if Grandma cried when she wrote the date of her own husband's death. Yet, I realized that all this information was recorded in the same place of importance in the family Bible as the joyous occasions. All these details are intertwined into the story of my dad's heritage. The good times and the bad work together to create his unique  ancestry. Each event was recorded on a time line.

I found hope in the realization that the time line did not stop when a death was recorded on the pages. From my point of view, it was concrete evidence that life goes on and that the sun brings in a new day each morning. It is proof that God never leaves us or abandons us. Take my grandma for example. She loved Grandpa dearly, and I have memories of how she had to recreate her life after he died. I saw the tears come to her eyes when she talked about how much she missed him. But she did begin a new life that was full of purpose and meaning. She enjoyed grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She ministered to others in her church when they needed help and took care of family when they were sick. Her life impacted others as her time line continued.

Perhaps you have experienced a loss in your life that has left you with feelings of hopelessness. Possibly you are wondering if your own life ended when your loved one died. While these emotions are natural and normal, they are not permanent. I can assure you that the God of the water, earth, and sky is the Creator of your time line. As the Creator, He has not been surprised by any of the life events that has colored your world. Dear one, rest in the knowledge that God is in control.

God is our refuge and strength, a ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:1-3,7 (NIV)

Unfortunately, moving past the belief that your life is over is sometimes easier said than done. In fact, it can be quite a battle. As in most warfare, a very important key to victory is recognizing your enemy. In your case my friend, the feelings of hopelessness are your enemy. When these depressing thoughts come into your mind, recognize them as being toxic and replace them with the truth of the Word of God. You have the ability to choose what you think about. Choose to think about the fact that whenever you begin to turn to the right or the left, there will be a loving voice that guides you. (See Isaiah 30:21)

Journaling Ideas

1. Read Psalm 30:5 and write about how this passage may apply to your current situation.

2. In Hebrews 13:5, God has given a promise that He will never leave you or forsake you. Do you believe this to be true? Why or why not?

3. Make a list of some of the most important happenings in your life. Include births, marriages, graduation, deaths, moves, new jobs, etc.

Your Grieving Toolbox

Today we are going to take out a tool from the toolbox that we have used before. I am going to ask you to develop a  time line of your life. By this I mean a literal line drawn across a page of paper with lines to mark dates of the events that have had the most impact on your life. Begin with your own birth as the first line. Make sure to include the good times along with the painful times. When you're finished, look over your time line and marvel at how God has been present in each situation. Consider that your life continued, even after the times of trouble.

Dear cherished one of the Almighty, I pray that you will experience peace as you take courage in the Savior Jesus Christ. May you rest in the knowledge that the Prince of Peace has already over come the world. I pray that you will be aware that the One who died for you will walk with you and be with you all the way. (Based on John 16:33 and Matthew 28:20)