Tears

Bright rays of sunlight fall gently upon me creating a cozy blanket of warmth and peacefulness. Quietly my eyes trace the golden path that stretches far out to the horizon while the waveletes playfully tug about me. A seagull stands by as a sentinel on duty, carefully watching my every move. 

But I don’t notice...my eyes are too filled with tears. Silently they spill out and trickle down my cheek adding a bit of salt to the vast expanse of blue. Someone is missing...one who has been here on almost every trip to this place. One who has spent countless miles with me treading these dunes...one who has spent numerous hours sharing heart to heart talks whiles leaving footprints in the sand. 

That someone? My best friend of 12 years. The one who knows me better than anyone else. The one who has been there...always. 

The one who has shared my joys and my sorrows. The one who has never ceased to encourage me to higher ground. The girl God placed in my life to draw me closer to Him. She’s missing from this place...now over 1000+ miles away. 

As the tears continue to stream down my face, a still small voice whispers in my ear. 

Be still, my soul, though dearest friends may part
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

The voice continues....

I understand your tears...and I cry with you. You were not meant for tears. I didn’t create them in the beginning and someday I will banish them forever. I will wipe them from your eyes with my own finger. But until then, I will bear your griefs and carry your sorrows. I understand the pain of separation...I went through it for you. I am here, even in your darkest hour and I will repay. I will turn your sorrow into joy. Someday, you will understand...someday you will see the end from the beginning and understand why. But until then trust me...I only take away what I can return with better. 

The voice fades and the lapping of the waves again fills my ears. My tears are dried and those that remain are joyful ones. I serve a living God who cares enough to see the tears of a little lonely child and speak a word of comfort. A God who has gone through everything and more than I ever will. And a God who never fails to keep His promises. 

My heart is singing and my face is wreathed in smiles. Though a tear still remains...I lift my voice in a joyous strain.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

We shall meet my dear Glesni...if not here, on the other shore. And we will be able to walk on the edge of the sea of glass, praising our Savior forever!...oh what a thought! 

I Love You!

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away...blessed be the name of the Lord!