• Mar. 14, 2008
Life is...
You've probably seen them. "Life is good" shirts are popping up all over, and I'm a huge fan! They feature a wide variety of interests with the simple caption, "Life is good" written beneath. My guys know me and my heart. They know my interests and my passions. Last year for my birthday, they surprised me with a treasure chest of surprises, including a "Life is good" coffee shirt. I wear it proudly, ever reminded of the simple pleasures of each new day.
But this week has been difficult in many ways.
I learned that my dear sister-in-law's father has cancer...how I hurt for her. A friend and classmate from high school was killed in a car accident. She was only 35. Then, of course, there was the painful goodbye to my heart friend as she moved far away...
Yesterday I learned that another friend of mine and her husband recently divorced. And while traveling, we came upon another devastating car crash.
On top of all this, when we arrived at my parents' home yesterday, we were greeted by a "For Sale" sign in their yard. Oh, we knew it was coming. They've been talking and planning and dreaming about their new home for the past few years. And I'm excited for them...really. But seeing this sign outside my childhood home just put me over the top.
As we traveled with my parents and I was rehearsing this week's events in my mind, I got a bad case of what my grandma calls "PLOM Disease." Poor Little Old Me. And the thoughts swirling around in my head came right out.
"Life stinks," I uttered.
I'm so thankful for my guys who keep me ever looking to Jesus; that when my focus is inward and set on the temporal, they direct my gaze back to Jesus. A little voice from the backseat responded to my little outburst with some much-needed perspective: "But Mom, if it wasn't for life, I wouldn't be here." Convicted, I turned around and told him that he was right...that even in the midst of heartache, God is faithful; He can be trusted.
And my husband, who regularly holds me and provides opportunity for me to cry, vent, and share my hurts with him, pointed me back to the Truth. He lovingly reminded me that while life is hard...God is good.
My circumstances may change from day to day. There may be days when life doesn't feel good; when the hurts and cares of this world weigh heavily on our hearts. But even in those painful days, we can rest confidently that "Life is hard...God is good."
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! Psalm 34:8
For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon You." Psalm 86:5
The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him." Nahum 1:7
Comments
• Mar. 14, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Thank you for your honesty in sharing your heart, whatever it is.
God is good. Thankfully He doesn't ask us to understand - just to trust.
love you, Nikki.
Brenda
• Mar. 14, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
So sorry to hear it's been an emotionally rough week for you. Isn't it amazing that even as our hearts are breaking, our God meets our needs perfectly? He brings peace and hope to us, even in situations where it wouldn't seem peace is possible. He knows the hurts and frustrations of our hearts and mends them with such love and comfort that sometimes I can't even explain with words. I know you understand what I'm saying, because you trust and love Him just as I do! Praying for you...
• Mar. 14, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
So sorry to hear it's been an emotionally rough week for you. Isn't it amazing that even as our hearts are breaking, our God meets our needs perfectly? He brings peace and hope to us, even in situations where it wouldn't seem peace is possible. He knows the hurts and frustrations of our hearts and mends them with such love and comfort that sometimes I can't even explain with words. I know you understand what I'm saying, because you trust and love Him just as I do! Praying for you...
Stacey
• Mar. 14, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Sorry about posting that twice! Guess I'm still "comment challenged." I'll blame it on my computer!
Stace
• Mar. 14, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I read your entry earlier today and it just tugged at me. I'm sorry you've had such an emotionally draining week. :( What a sweet reminder your guy gave of the beauty of life, even amidst all the stuff that just sucks. I had a pity party day several weeks back that I posted about and how God really blessed me through it all. You, my dear friend, played a big part of that blessing as well w/ your PM out of the blue asking how you can pray for me. :) That was a direct message from our wonderfully caring Father. My prayer for you is that you too will be blessed and feel His presence in the midst of all the emotionally draining situations you have been hit with lately.
Love you my friend and I'm praying for you daily.
Love,
Linda
(it won't let me sign in and I have no idea why! LOL)
• Mar. 15, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by rbjhcmama
Hugs and prayers to you, my friend!!! XXOO
• Mar. 17, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Jon
Thankful for your strength to keep looking to Jesus! There will be a moment that comes that puts everything in its perspective. We'll stop squinting and we'll see clearly for the first time. Until then, thanks for always cleaning my glasses in this dark place. I love you!
• Mar. 17, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Juldos
((((((Hugs))))))),
Julie D.
• Mar. 18, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Oh Nikki,
I am so sorry that you are hurting! Wish I could come and give you a hug. Grasp hold of our true ROCK, the God of our salvation. Please know that I am praying for you friend!
Lynn
• Mar. 20, 2008
Nikki,
Posted by Juldos
I referenced you in my March 17th entry! : )
Julie D.
• Mar. 20, 2008
hi
Posted by byourlove1
Thanks for such a wonderful post, wow-could I relate to this right now, thanks for the reminder of turning my focus back on Jesus! Happy easter!
Angela
