Peace is possible

This is one of a series that was first posted just prior to the 10 year death anniversary.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 NIV

As I write this, we have lived 3,650 days after Jordyn leaving. It’s one of those milestones that I cannot make easier, for me or for my family. The only way past it is to walk right through it.

I had a running count in my head through day 1,085. The anniversary dates are hard, but not keeping count throughout the year helps. Unfortunately, on the ten-year mark all you have to do is add the zero. It is a big number.

Landscaping helps me think. God has a lot of opportunity to talk when you are on your knees. I built a flower bed in my yard and had an epiphany while I was doing it. Rather than count the days since I have seen her, why not use it as a count for how many days closer I am to seeing her?

It does not remove pain. If heaven is not my destination, then all of this is pointless. However, I know it is my destination. I do not know when, but I know that I am 3,650 days closer to seeing her again than I was on the day she left.

Perfection in this life is not possible. Easy roads in this life are not possible. But peace is. I never thought I would share anything that I write, but I have a spiritual confidence that God wants me to do this. I went out on the road to work this week. ALL DAY I heard about death, loss and struggle; it was striking. I had a lady tell me her family needed it. She needed to hear it from another parent, peace is possible. There are others just like me.

This writing is a picture of what God put on my heart. For me, for my wife, our kids – maybe grandkids. You have loss. You have pain. You need peace. Hang in there. Wait, maybe don’t just hang in there. Go thrive in spite of it. Life is fantastic. Heaven will be better. But until we get there, let’s have peace and help others find it.

What hurts you the most? Injury is real, don’t let anyone tell you that hurting equals a lack of faith.

What hurt have you caused in this life? People may or may not forgive you – I can’t speak to that. But I can speak for God’s grace. Nothing is more powerful.

Challenge: Peace. You can have it, then please give help someone else find it.