But in the midst of all that, I looked out and saw a family that is standing strong in their faith in the Lord, a family who God himself brought together from all walks of life to stand together and lock arms in this battle. On their faces I saw joy and hope in the midst of pain and I was reminded that the Lord brings joy and peace.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." (Romans 15:13)
I saw a husband and wife grip each other in pain, with smiles and tears running down their faces and 3 little ones at their sides, as they remembered their little boy that was so immensely loved. I was reminded that the Lord's power is made perfect in our weakness.
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)
My baby nephew, Keaton, would've been 2 today, but the Lord called him home 9 months ago to be with Him. Today was an utterly painful reminder of that missing piece of our hearts, but as I stood there I remembered his wonderful smile and how much love there is for him in all the people around us. I looked at his pictures and was thankful that the Lord blessed us to even have one day with him. I was thankful for the camping trip we took and the pictures I got of him smiling with his light up ball. I was thankful for time, even though it wasn't all the time I wished we would've had. I was reminded that I could've never had those moments at all. I was reminded that the Lord's timing is perfect.
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
We have been blessed to have so many good friends to support us, love us and walk side by side with us. I am reminded that it is by God's grace. I'm reminded that the Lord gives and He takes away. But even though I can't begin to understand the taking away part, I'm reminded that He is a good Father that gave us this day that we might celebrate the day Keaton became part of our family and forever part of our hearts.
Today was a beautiful fall day with a cool breeze and glistening sunshine. The freshly cut grass was green and the food was plentiful. There was laughter and children. There was music and games and even pearly balloons flying high in the sky and I can't help but be reminded that the Lord gave us these things; the details, just because He loves us.
Yes, today had tears and heartache, but today was beautiful too. God's love was shown in the people that love us, in the healing taking place, in the peace He gives, in reconciliation and in every detail that the Lord has had planned for us since the beginning of time. I don't understand how it all fits together or understand why He does what He does, but I do know that my Father in heaven loves us and Keaton is there in his arms. I don't have to understand the why's but only trust that His love goes far and deep and wide. One day on the other side of eternity, we will see the precious smile of our little Keaton again. Oh what a beautiful day it will be!
"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
Happy Birthday Keaton Marley! I love you!!
