"Watch to see how I transform trials into blessings"

It's always hard waiting for the anniversary of something sad. Knowing all the emotions will come rushing back - good and bad - is not something I really look forward to. Sometimes it feels like you lost the person yesterday, while other times it feels like it's been forever since you've seen them or just heard them speak.

That's how it feels for me today; like my grandmother went to Heaven years ago. It seems like a lifetime since she passed, maybe because it's something I think about everyday. But thinking about her makes me happy. I wouldn't think about her as often if she didn't leave such an impact on my life.

My devotion this morning was spot-on. God never disappoints and His timing continually amazes me. 

The first sentence began, 'Let Me help you get through this day..." HELLO! It's like He was speaking directly to me. He may as well have said, "Rachel, listen up. Let Me help you get through this day..." I was speechless when I read it. It goes on to say that there will be ups and downs throughout the day and that I need to remember to lean on Him when I'm weak. (Which has been all day, so saddle up, God! Silly me, he already has.) I can't help but feel relief through the sadness, because I serve a God who lifts me up even when I think I can do it myself. He's always there just holding His arms out waiting for me to collapse. For that, I am especially grateful. Then, He wraps it up with, "Watch to see how I transform trials into blessings." That's one serious promise. 

It brings sadness to my heart that she won't be here for the arrival of her first great-grand baby later this year, and I would give just about anything to hear her say "Rachel Suzanne" just one more time. However, it brings joy to hear others in the community say such sweet things about her. She is missed, no doubt. I cannot even count the times I've heard,  "that drive-up window at Buy-Rite Drugs isn't the same." It never will be. 

I've gone throughout the day with one thought keeping me focused. My Mimi is celebrating her new birthday; her entrance into Heaven to spend eternity with the Lord. THAT is something to be celebrated here, too! How comforting it is to know where she is and that she is so loved in the presence of our Creator. I know he is taking such good care of her.