Cherish Our Loved Ones

“See, I have engraved you in the palms of my hands, and your walls are ever before me.” ~Isaiah 49:16

At the beginning of March 2009, my uncle passed away due to cancer. It was emotionally draining because he was my closest father figure. Even now, I think about him often and the chance I lost in loving him. I regretted all the times I spent in resentment toward him for something he didn’t do for me long ago. When he passed away, all that came to my mind was all the good he was. And, although I tried to hold back, tears gushed out. The funeral was emotionally moving.

Two Sundays ago, a lady in our Sunday school class who has been battling cancer came with exclamations of joy for no cancer was found in her body. She was so happy she came to Sunday school just to tell us the Lord has healed her and she had nothing but gratitude to express. It was moving for me, because I kept on thinking about my uncle when they told him that he was cured, and, a week later he was gone. However, my heart moved to joy and I was filled with tears for all the good the Lord was doing all around me.

But, today I witnessed her unmoving body in ICU. No life was apparent and her family was present. I witnessed the tears her daughters shed and the sorrows they showed, I felt powerless, I stood there motionless and tried to speak, but no word would be of comfort to them. I spoke to her and asked her to fight for her daughter’s sake. I said, “I don’t know if you could hear me, but I came to visit you…I want you to fight for your daughter’s sake, for the sake of those who have been praying for you, and for my sake. I’ve been encouraged by your courage and strength. I may be selfish, but I want you back for a little longer. Please, come back.” As, I spoke her daughters sobbed and their uncle stood by. I prayed for her and one of her daughters ushered me out to the waiting room to meet the rest of the family members.

I left physically, but my thoughts were digging for answers to comfort her family and what will happen to her. I was deeply moved by what I saw, I lost track of my directions. I have no idea of the directions I came and I had to ask the workers of the hospitals for help, they ushered me out of the building.

I continued to wonder and contemplate on her condition. What will happen to her and how soon before I know the outcome? “Lord, help her. Please, comfort her daughters.” As I started my car, my mind shifted to my mom. What would I have done if that was my mom lying there?

Then, I thought about my aunt. What has happened to her and how is she doing without my uncle? So, I reached for my phone and called my aunt. No answer. And later on, I called my mom. The sound of her voice seemed to bring some comfort into my heart.

As I hung up with her, I continued to wonder about how often we forget to treasure the presents God gave us. He wrapped and decorated each present-our loved ones in their special characters, and no other present or person can replace this particular one. How have I showed my loved ones my appreciation of their presence in my life? Have I fully expressed my love to them? When our friendships on earth end, will I cry cries of regret or sing with joy?

As I wondered on, all the blessings the Lord has brought into my life rushed into my mind. He reminded me of the verse He gave me last year, “See, I have engraved you in the palms of my hands, and your walls are ever before me.” Just knowing that He is in total control and He sees my every move brought comfort to my heart.

Today, if you find yourself wondering on and on as I did, rest assure that you are engraved in the palms of His hands and your walls are ever before Him. There is not an inch in your life that happens without His knowledge. If you accepted Christ as your personal Savior, you are permanently engraved in His hands and all your ways are before Him. Some experiences are harder to bear than others, but He is still in control. He knows. And, He promises to supply ample ways for you to overcome your challenges.

God bless you!