As I sat at the waterfront of our beautiful Bay, looking out across the water to the blue mountains beyond. Thoughts of Dad rushed in, his recent passing & his great love of God’s creation, which from an early age he taught us to appreciate.
I have many memories flooding in of the wonderful times I spent with my father, his great love & concern for each one of us will forever warm my heart. He was a dedicated family man, loving Mum & all of us children dearly, always wanting updates on our lives, the lives of his grandchildren, great grandchildren & great great grandson.
And the following scripture echos around these memories as I sit watching a thousand jewels sparkling upon the surface of the bay;
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod (protection) and Your staff (guidance), they comfort me.
Psalm 23: 1-4
And my father’s following advice comes to mind, as I feel the warmth of the Sun upon my face, hear the lapping of the waves upon the shore & the drone of a motor boat going out to sea, shared in;
“Look after yourself, love!”
We do indeed need to look after ourselves when we go through hard times such as heartache, chronic health concerns or grief.
And although I have the assurance that both Mum & Dad are enjoying Eternity with our Saviour Jesus Christ & our Heavenly Father, which is very comforting indeed, I’m also human & grieve their loss from this life.
So please look after yourself my friend if you’re going through a difficult time or not, it’s not selfish or self centred to do so & if that means you need to take some time out, then do so.
As this may be the very time to practise;
The Art of Quietness
Until next time,
Jennifer
You’re most welcome to join me in The Reading Nook
Or in Prayer
© 2024 Jennifer M. Ross, Photo by Jennifer, All Rights Reserved.
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My dad was wise and loved God’s creation too. Both of my parents are passed My mom passed 25 years ago and my dad passed 11 years ago. They modeled Christlikeness for me (I’m an only). After my dad passed I felt like an orphan.
Thank you so much for sharing these sweet memories and wise words from your dad with Sweet Tea & Friend’s this month Sweet Friend. I’m so happy you’re here.
It does feel like that… Doesn’t it? No matter what age we are when both parents are gone. But I’m glad we have an amazing Heavenly Father who is always with us. Blessings sweet friend ❤️
I can relate to every part of this. I have those days where I miss my dad so very much. He would always seem to call when I needed to talk. I would pick up the phone and he’s say, “how’re you doin’, Kay?” And it was like all my troubles would disappear. Whether the water got into my basement, or my personal life was in shambles. Like you, I take comfort that he is in heaven with my mom, I still grieve for the both. Prayers and hugs, Jennifer.
Thank you, I’m saddened to hear you too have experienced the loss of both your parents my friend. We do have that wonderful hope that we will see them again & that is so very comforting.
Jennifer, so sorry you’re going through this, but glad you know it’s okay to take the time you need to look after yourself. My mother died 20 years before my father, and when he died I felt well and truly an orphan! Those of us who had the privilege of growing up with a wonderful father had, I feel, a “leg up” in life; we didn’t have to overcome some of the things others did because of that lack. Virtual hugs!
Thank you Jean 😊
Jennifer, I just came from my Daddy’s house and read your post. I visit my almost 94 year old Daddy every day, he still lives at home by himself. My beloved Mother passed away 17 years ago. I made him a fresh blueberry and peach cobbler. It was still warm from the oven, and he kept bragging about how good it was.
Like your dad, he is very wise. He has loved and served God for more than 70 years. Praying for you as the waves of grief come. Take care of yourself, my sweet friend. I am sending love and hugs!
Thank you Pam, I appreciate your love & hugs. ☺️ How wonderful that your Dad is still in his own home with his family close by, such a sweet blessing for him & you all. And your cobbler sounds absolutely delicious!
Just spent time in silent prayer this morning. Here the whole country seems to be disregulated. Many angry people everywhere. Climate is wonky. The Presidential election is looming. If ever a nation needed God it is now. I pray more often to still my own reaction to life around me,
Prayer indeed is our greatest resource in these turbulent times Elizabeth.
My prayers are with you Jennifer, as you feel the sadness of losing your father. Thank you for sharing these sweet memories and words of his with us.
Thank you sweet friend 💕
“..it’s not selfish or self centred to do so & if that means you need to take some time out, then do so.” Yes! It’s never selfish to take care of our hearts, our souls, our emotional health.
Very true Lynn…
Isn’t a beautiful how our fathers’ comforting words reverberate in our minds even when they are no longer with us? I hope you are able to heed your dad’s words this very day, friend.
Beautiful indeed Lois. Memories of their love & concern for us are indeed healing as we grieve. Thank you. 💕
So sorry for your loss, Jennifer. May our Good Shepherd continue to lead you into His comfort at this difficult time.
Thank you Donna 💕
Praying for you Jen at this sad time. Sending love to your heart of peace.
Jan
Thank you Jan 💕
Jennifer, you’re in my thoughts. Sending you a virtual hug. Healing takes time, and that’s something I had to remind myself of. And I still do after my father passed away in 2017. Take all the time you need. ♡
Thank you Stephanie, it does indeed take time my friend. Blessings…💕