Happy New Year?
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Happy New Year?
So, what is there to be happy about? What do I have to look forward to -- another year not to have our daughter, Crystal, to celebrate the new year? This makes the 9th one she has missed.
On the other hand, its one year closer to seeing her again. For her, its one more year spent in heaven and I can only imagine Crystal is having the time of her life, her eternal life.
“You have a baby girl,” the doctor announced June 14, 1969. My joy was almost uncontainable.
“I'm sorry, Mr. Allison, the doctor said 36 years later , “Your daughter is not going to make it. You can go back and be with her as much as you want.” A little while later while I was holding her hand, the nurse whispered, “I'm sorry, she's gone.” My pain was almost unbearable.
Zig Ziglar, who lost his 40 year old daughter, Suzan, shares some helpful counsel that grieving parents can take with them into the new year.*
First, find strength in applying God's Word personally. For example, read Psalm 46 this way: “God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in my time of trouble.”
Second, express your dependence on God daily in prayer. Psalm 116:1-2 puts it so plainly: “I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”
Finally, look for opportunities to share the hurt of another person, “so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4
I am going to try to use this counsel more consistently in 2014. May I encourage you to do the same.
I would not be surprised if you can experience happiness in 2014, especially as you try to share the hurt of someone else. In the process of helping others God will continue to provide comfort and healing to you.
*”I Know You Are Hurting” by Zig Ziglar printed by Good News Publishers 1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
