Today would be my Dad’s birthday.  Mine is right before his.  This is a picture of us celebrating together a few years ago.  He’s been gone now for about a year and a half.  It sure doesn’t seem like that long, but at the same time, it feels like forever since I’ve seen him.  I miss him often, but especially today.

I don’t understand why God allowed him to die.  I don’t understand how taking him was a better plan than doing a miracle of healing.  I still struggle with that.  Honestly, there is only one way I know to deal with that kind of pain.

This morning, with a heavy heart, I prayed a version of the same prayer that I pray every time I feel a little overwhelmed by the grief.

“Father, God,

I don’t understand your ways.  I hurt and I miss my dad terribly, but I’m choosing to trust you in the midst of the hurt.  I know you are good.  I know you are love.  I know that you see the beginning and the end and that your plans are greater than my own.  I don’t understand why God, but I understand who you are.  Help me to trust fully in your character and in who you are in spite of how I feel.  Fill my hurting heart with peace.

Amen.”

That prayer gets me through the things I can’t understand and the things that aren’t easy.  I’m hoping it can help someone else today.

Love and blessings,

Bobbie