Five Minute Friday - Suffer

Some days, it feels like I'm drowning in suffering. Other times, I can handle it better. But nights are the worst. I try not to dwell on it too much, but often it overwhelms me, especially at night, when everything is quiet and I'm alone with my thoughts. I find it so hard to keep my mind from wandering!

The Heartache of Loss

Losing a child is incredibly hard. Witnessing my sister go through it, I realize the depth of devastation it brings. It's as though a piece of your heart is torn away, and life loses its familiar rhythm. 

But...

A Different Kind of Loss

But... what if the loss extends beyond just one individual? What if it means losing the embrace of the next generation? Yes, my daughter has chosen to cut ties with us, and it's a pain that cuts deep. I miss her, I miss my grandchildren, and this is a piece of suffering that I silently carry with me.

Finding Solace in God

Yet, even amidst the darkness, there's a glimmer of solace. Sometimes, when sleep evades me,I reach for the lamp on my bedside table – let there be light – and open my Bible. Psalm 27 speaks to me:

"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Embracing Divine Comfort

I continue reading until I reach the verse that says: 

"Though my father and my mother daughter abandoned me, the Lord gathers me up."

Tears flow freely as I absorb the words. Despite the immense loss, I find comfort in the assurance that God's love transcends human understanding. 

A Prayer for Guidance

After reading, I close my Bible, turn of the lamp, and whisper:

"Do not hide Your face from me; You have been my help. Do not abandon me nor forsake me, O God of my salvation! Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path."

Joining in for Five Minute Friday today.

FMF - Daily Escape with Diamond Gems

I shake the container of diamond gems back and forth to make them settle nicely for picking up with my pink pen. It's so satisfying to hear that sound when I give the container a little shake. I'm sitting at the large table in my living room, and daylight streams in through the side window, illuminating my robin painting perfectly. 

My little moment of respite

This is my little respite moment, and I dive into it more often than I check my phone... About seven times a day! Is that so?

🤫  Well, let's just say my phone gets jealous sometimes!

Everyone in the house knows how I love it; so I received many gifts, under the motto: help Aritha get through the winter. 

Chocolate brown "gems"
Yesterday, it was the turn of the lime green gems. Today, it's time for the brown stones, reflecting the shade of that special dark chocolate covering the 'Bossche Bol'.* I pick up a gem from the container with my pen and place it where it belongs, nestled in the robin's wing. And another gem, and another... tap, tap, tap. 

😊 Meanwhile, I feel like I can breathe more freely and think in a more creative way.

Thank you LORD
If I had a lot of energy, maybe I wouldn't do this, and I'd just keep running. But look at me sitting at the big table. It's all good. I'm thankful to God for diamond painting and wish I had discovered it earlier.

💎😌 I love these little moments of respite!

Joining in for Five Minute Friday today. 

* Bossche Bol (delicious)