Empty Nest to Full Arms

I love how the Lord is gracious to fill our emptiness. Obviously, He fills that void with Himself, if we so allow. He is my greatest Companion, I would be lost without Christ in my life. I am grateful that I learned long ago to allow Him to have that place in my life. He had it before Dale came into my life, and now He is filling that void in new ways with Dale's passing, ways that I am not even sure I could explain with clarity, so I won't even try.



Two days before Dale's 51st birthday, the Lord gave us our first grandchild. I had the privilege to be present, till a C-section was needed. When my son in law brought our Wee Man to meet the mass of family that had gathered, I was again privileged to be the first of the group to hold him in my arms. I wept. I wept out of joy that he had arrived safely and that he and my daughter were safe and well. I wept because Dale was not present. He and Autumn were to come after the baby was born.



They came the next day. It was a miserable ride for Dale as he was so sick, yet he wanted to see his grandson. When little Joshua Dale was placed in his arms, we all wept, silently, because we all knew that moments like that would be so few. I never asked Dale what he whispered to that precious gift, I know he did, but being the private man he was, I left those words to the two of them. I know Dale prayed over Joshua, that was Dale's character. Dale only got to see Joshua one other time, but he was to sick and weak he was unable to spend much time with the family, I know he agonized over this, I did. Yet, what time he did spend with the kids and I, our last Thanksgiving together, though difficult was an amazing time. The Lord filled our hearts with strength and comfort.

My grandson is the delight of my life, he is a joy bringer. God's timing was so perfect to give us such a gift during such grief. At times my arms ache for my grandson, perhaps because he carries Dale's name Holding Joshua, is like holding Dale, he brings me great comfort.

Soon, 6 1/2 months from now, I will have an empty nest. I will join the throng of those who rattle around in the home alone. No, I will not buy a small yapping dog, a fish or a bird. The cat we have now, if it doesn't leave with Autumn will be transported to a new home ( we are not on the best of terms, the cat and I). But once again, the Lord is filling the void. For only weeks after the wedding, I will have two new grand children. Both June and July are expecting, only 7 days apart. Three grandchildren to fill my arms and my heart, to help to fill a void. The faithfulness of my God. His mercy and loving kindness abound. I am filled.