Dedicated to the valley of loss we each find ourselves travelling thru at some time in our lives.
The loss of a job…
The loss of a relationship…
A dream…
An expectation…
A loved one…
As with my niece…
I personally dedicate these words to her
Whose heart has recently let go of,
And kissed good-by the love of her life…
Their son, his wood-working teacher and dad.
Our hearts are shattering.
Into a million pieces
Because he is our rock,
Our pillar of strength,
The patriarch of the family.
From Amy Lynn and their son David
Dear Lord,
My days in the valley have been many.
The lonely nights of my soul have stretched for weeks and longed for the calm of daybreak, though sensing you close beside in perfect step along each turn of the unknown with me.
Because of you, I never walked alone, nor was I afraid.
When my surroundings overwhelmed and the hands of a thief stole my breath, you expanded my lungs and breathed in my place, keeping my heart in perfect rhythm with yours.
You have been the Good Shepherd during these days in the valley, leading, guiding, and protecting with your staff, while being a soft pillow of comfort for my weariness and unrest.
In you, I never lacked; my every need sustained.
But now Lord, my tiredness longs for those lush green meadows to renew my strength.
Oh, take my hand and lead me to those peaceful streams of quiet.
Set me beside still waters.
Where…
The empty cup of my soul can draw for a drink to be refilled, restored.
While my heart might sadly measure half-full in understanding your way and will during my stay in the valley, I’m confident the questions I have will find clarity in another time and another place when I walk along those glorious streets of gold.
But, for the quiet moments beside still waters,
I’m finding much needed rest with you.
“Stay as long as you need beside these still waters,”
The Good Shepherd comforts.
But, when the emptiness of your soul is re-filled…
When the empty cup of your soul is restored…
When the calm has returned during the morning hour of daybreak…
Then rise with the sun and return to the unknown of the valley…
Because valleys aren’t places to stay…
To unpack…
To set up house…
To change your address to…
Valleys are places you walk thru…
To continue your journey thru…
To continue your healing thru…
Even when I walk thru the darkest valley
I will not be afraid,
For you are close beside me…
Psalm 23:4 NLT
Because valleys, when you face your gaze towards God and the heavens,
You discover that valleys hold hands with two mountain top expeditions in your life; a journey of travel where God pursues you with His goodness and unfailing love all the mountain top and valley days of your life.
I praise you Almighty God,
Amen
Psalms 23 (NLT)
A psalm of David
The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
He leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
Bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
For you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
Protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessing.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
All the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord.
Forever.
Aunt Lori loves you beyond words Amy Lynn and David.
I promise you one day…
God will…
Turn your mourning into dancing.
(Psalm 30:11)
Thank you for sharing Buzzy
And your little family with us,
For giving us the sweetest memories
To fill our family scrapbook pages with.
Thank you also for all the miles
You have driven to celebrate with us
And to grieve with us over the years.
The empty chair around the holiday table
Already speaks to the void
And presence you leave behind.
Go rest high on that mountain,
Your work on this earth is done.
I love you to heaven and back.
Your devoted wife Amy Lynn
