Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 10, 2018
By faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. Hebrews 11:4
My first Thanksgiving without my momma—an indescribable void, my heart longs just to hear her voice. “Yes son, it would help for you to pick up a ham, and I will have your favorites: a cheese ball with chipped beef and scallions, ‘Do Dads’ (an addictive snack of Chex mix, pretzels, pecans and peanuts, baked to a crisp and lightly seasoned) and wedding cookies”. No longer am I able to enjoy mom’s favorite things that grew into my favorite things. But her caring voice still rings in my heart, “Be careful son, you need to rest. Tell the girls hi, I love you”. Momma, I miss you—but I will not forget you. Beyond the grave, your words help me carry on. I love you.
Abel was the one son who brought delight to God by what he brought to God—an acceptable sacrifice. Though dead, Abel still speaks to the living by reminding us to bring to our Savior and Lord all we have with a heart of love and gratitude. Though the youngest, Abel was able, by the grace of God, to go directly to God—for every child can equally worship his heavenly Father in Spirit and in truth. Cain was the oldest in age, but he lacked the old soul of his brother who rested in the Lord, rather than striving in his own strength to gain divine acceptance. A person who dies with a faith desperate for God, is a person whose faith resonates to future generations.
“And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast” (Genesis 4:4-5).
Firsts without someone are really hard. First Thanksgiving. First Christmas. First New Year. First Mother’s Day. First Father’s Day. First birthday. First anniversary. First vacation. Are you experiencing a “first” without someone you love? You pick up the phone to call her, but she is unavailable to answer. You play over a conversation in your mind, but her ears are deaf to your words. You face a stressful situation and you want to process with her, feel her patient presence, hear her wise words—but her personalized ideas and calming tone are not possible. If you are alone, I’m so sorry for your loss—my heart hurts for you and with you. I cry healing tears of grief with you.
Perhaps you process your pain by honoring the one who is gone. Take turns around your holiday dinner table and relive sweet memories. Tell stories full of joy and laughter. Memorialize the traits you remember that influenced you and still make their mark on your life. Celebrate a life by telling how she brought life to you and your family. Her stories. Her quirks. Her wisdom. Her love. Her generosity. Her prayers. Her listening ear. Honor a lost life, by looking for ways to celebrate a life. Though dead—she speaks—-so we listen, and share together stories we miss.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I miss my loved one and I lean into You for comfort and strength in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
Who can I reach out to during this holiday season to be a calming presence?
Related Reading
Romans 8:11; Hebrews 11:13-16, 12:24; 1 John 3:12
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A person who dies with a faith desperate for God, is a person whose faith resonates to future generations. #WisdomHunters #firsts
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