Eight Years is a Long Time. (Part Three)
Dear One. Eight years is a long time to be apart. We love you. We have forgiven you.
God has done so much in our hearts and lives these past eight years for which we are grateful. Only He can heal the deep pain of watching our child die, powerless to help. On top of that, losing our relationship with you and our grandchildren was almost more than we could bear. However, God has been good to us. He walked with us through that dark valley of the shadow of death. Healing didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen.
We acknowledge the pain and loss you have suffered as well. We’re so thankful that God’s healing power is just as real, complete, and all-encompassing today as ever.
You haven’t stepped foot in our home in eight years. It doesn’t have to be this way. How many times have we opened our front door wishing you were there along with your beautiful wife and two gorgeous children? We would love nothing more than to be one big happy family. We’re hopeful and prayerful that one day soon that will be a reality.
In the meantime, our lives move forward only by God’s grace. We actively serve Him in ministry, and our lives are full and blessed. We enjoy life today and the precious moments He gives us with family and grandchildren close by. But something is missing—you and your family.
We trust God explicitly to take care of our grandchildren, guarding and protecting their hearts, minds, spirits, and emotions as He did for Moses and Samuel. Our prayer is they will always love Jesus, live for Him, win souls for the Kingdom of God, and serve Him as their mother did (Psalm 86:16 and 116:16 NIV).
We look at life from an eternal perspective more today than ever. After all, where we spend eternity is far more important than anything in this life. We believe we will see and know our grandchildren again, if not in this life, in heaven for all eternity.
The enemy intends to harm, but God intends to accomplish good things (Genesis 50:20). The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; Jesus comes to give a full life (John 10:10). “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Time is short. The coming of the Lord is near. What a blessed Hope we have in Jesus! Unspeakable joy! Amazing peace!
Eight years is a long time. Come home.
Love and Prayers,
Mom and Dad, also known as Memaw and Papa