A Big Distraction was a Blessing in Disguise

I had mentioned in the previous post regarding our anniversary.  June 14, 1974 was our wedding day.  This would have been a memorable year as it would have been 40 for us.  One thing which was a big blessing last week was that we had the marker for the grave on order and it was to be here by our anniversary.  At the beginning of that week I had called about it since it hadn't been placed.  I was told that it might not be ready until the following week which would have been after the anniversary date.  I mentioned that I was hoping to have it by our anniversary which was Saturday, June 14.   The marker was placed on June 12.  God gave us the desires of our heart.  We took pictures at the graveside with the new marker and new arrangement of flowers on June 14 with my daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.  After that we took a nice walk which was very enjoyable.  I had to get home to give our dog her medication.

Now for the distraction.  Several weeks ago my dog had developed  a condition of vertigo.  The medical term is Vestibular Disease. I had taken her to the vet and she was to be on this medication for about 3 weeks.  She was on week 2 at the time and doing some better.  I had left her on our front porch and thought she would be fine there until I got home.  I thought I had made it secure for her not to get down the ramp and off the porch because she would get under our house.  When I got home she was not on the porch or anywhere around.  Somehow she had managed to get through the railings and took a 4 foot leap down to the ground.  Needless to say, I was quite worried about her.  She did not turn up for six hours and I could only imagine what had happened to her.  When she finally came out from under the house, she was fine.  I thank God for taking care of her.  When I realized that most of the afternoon was spent worrying about our dog, I thought if that had not happened I would probably have missed Mark so very much.  Of course, I did miss him but this distraction did help me to focus on something else as well.  God always knows what's best for us and He has continually been there to guide me through.    "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow"

Looking to the Days Ahead

Not sure what's going on.  Today was a productive and good day being able to spend time with family.  Somehow memories hit several times throughout the day and the tears flowed.  I know part of the reason is because I'm remembering how much 40 years ago this week I was so looking forward to marrying Mark.  We were on our countdown days.  Today would have been only 4 days away.  We were looking forward to not having to be separated again, as each night when he dropped me off to my apartment, we would say goodnight and goodbye until tomorrow.  We saw each other every single day but always hated to part at night. I'm not sure I gave a lot of thought to that week after we were married because I was content and happily married.  I sure remember it clearly now.  We had such a wonderful marriage, and God was so good to bless me with such a wonderful loving husband who I dearly love/loved.  Not sure of God's plan or purpose for my life now, but I know just to live daily for Him and wait on Him. 

Psalm 27:14    "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."

The Measure of a Life

I was reading a quote the other day that said, "The measure of a life is not its duration but its donation."    Of course, that reminded me of Mark.   His life on this earth was short compared to many but during his lifetime, he lived it fully serving the Lord.  He was always concerned about people and how he could help them.   He definitely was always concerned for his family.  It did bother him when he became disabled and couldn't help the way he had in the past.  He tried his best to serve God  even when he was suffering in pain.  From my point of view and in my eyes, he lived a life well pleasing to God.  I lived with him for almost 40 years so I guess I could be a good judge.  Our 40th anniversary would have been June 14.  I'm sure in some ways this week will be a little tough with the memories, but God has given me grace over and over again and I know He'll get me through this week.