Just because it does not look good now… Do NOT give up hope!

 

To all who mourn in Israel…

  …a joyous blessing instead of mourning,     festive praise instead of despair.

-ISAIAH 61:3a, b, NLT

 

When my divorce was fresh, I remember feeling great sadness over the thought of losing the opportunity to be a father.

  That was six years ago.* It was a dark time. I could not see a bright future in the midst of the dark losses I was experiencing.   Fast-forward six years, I had a conversation with Munchkin in the car. She was excited about planning her upcoming birthday (months away, by the way). One of her plans included me.   She wants to go on rides at the Mall of America with me, her dad. I asked if she wanted mom to go with her. She said that she wanted me.  

I am definitely her daddy.

  And I give thanks to God for this precious moment. I do not take it for granted. It is a gift. Blessing for mourning, indeed!   I don’t know what death of dreams you are experiencing today. The reason I share this story is to encourage you. You never know what God will do to transform your mourning into rejoicing.  

I know I did not see this day six years ago. But I am grateful and thankful I trusted God who did!

    ______________ *A version of this post ran previously. It is now closer to a decade ago.

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