{ Wednesday's Word and THANK-full Thursday }

providence

**the protective care of God as a spiritual power

  

My precious Aunt Delores passed away last Friday morning.  She was only 7 years older than me and was more like a big sister than an Aunt. My heart is broken and I'm on the verge of tears now as I recall the last few days. Probably the worst of it was going alone to tell Momma that she had lost her sister, one of the most difficult things I've ever done along with watching her grieve in her confusion and trying to comfort her the last few days.

I want to share some things that I'm still so very thank-full for that have transpired since I got this news last Friday morning.

Our daughter and son-in-love have taken a weekend getaway during October or November for the last several years and we are blessed to get to keep all four of our grandkiddos.  That was this past weekend and I was at their house when I received the phone call about my Aunt. If I hadn't had the kiddos all weekend to occupy my mind and my time, oh how much worse it would have been.

God had already worked it out!

I had made Mom an appointment to get a much-needed perm and haircut. I scheduled that for Tuesday because I had planned to attend an "oils of the Bible" class on Monday. Usually, Mom will keep putting things like that off, but she wasn't reluctant at all to go. The appointment got rescheduled for Monday because of a conflict so I told my sister-in-law I wouldn't be able to attend the class. Guess what?  The class got postponed until next Monday.

God had already worked it out!

My Aunt's funeral was scheduled for Tuesday so it was best that Mom went to the hairdresser on Monday so she wouldn't be so worn out by Tuesday night.

God had already worked it out!

Even during the most difficult of times, God is right there with us holding our hands, giving us the strength to do the hard things, pointing out things to us in His Word, granting us grace and helping us show that same grace to others, showering us with love and kindness in ways that only He can.

Some folks have referred to me as being too religious, from the "religious side of the family", thinking that I'm more spiritual than them or a "know it all".  Religion is so totally different than having a personal relationship with the Savior and I in no way think I'm better than anybody. In fact, if you really knew me, you'd discover so many flaws and insecurities, but oh, how I love Jesus.  I'm reminded of a favorite verse in Jeremiah, and would you believe it's not 29:11.....

I'm still in awe of His divine providence and how much He loves me.....

and you!