Last week was truly bittersweet for us. Last Tuesday was Jadyn’s “bench dedication ceremony” at Wheaton Academy. It felt like her own personal “graduation ceremony” as her senior class graduated 5 days later. It was an incredibly difficult day for us, but a blessing to hear several of her friends share about her.
God in His wisdom and mercy allowed us to go to a grieving parent retreat (Respite Retreat) in Nashville that same weekend of graduation. We were blessed beyond measure being with these fellow sufferers. It was an amazing thing to meet and spend the weekend with couples all over the country who had very similar pain, and are seeking the Lord for their ultimate comfort, healing and strength. I was also able to envision Jadyn with all their precious children together rejoicing in Paradise. Again what a blessing!!!
A quote from Nancy Guthrie (who led our retreat) that has stuck with me………..”Experiencing God’s blessing is not merely getting good things FROM God. The essence of blessing is getting more OF God.”
Our group of grieving parents sang together on Sunday morning (the day of Jadyn’s “would be” high school graduation) the following song lyrics…..
“Blessed be Your name when the sun’s shining down on me, when the world’s all “as it should be,” blessed be Your name. Blessed be Your name, on the road marked with suffering, though there’s pain in the offering, blessed be Your name.”
Love to all, Troy and Kristin
“Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love.” Lam. 3:32