Comfort in sorrow

My dear one,

I write to you tonight across time and space, for I've recently been feeling as if I'm stuck in the wrong generation, or wrong century, or wrong world. (Or maybe you are?) I'm still working on resigning myself to the fact that our paths may never cross. But I still can throw these words out there, like a message in a bottle.

This summer has provided much-needed refreshment. I've been crossing creeks and climbing mountains, teaching music lessons and preparing concert music, helping with Bible clubs and mentoring young people, lifting weights and counting macros, scoping out new coffeeshops and haunting used book stores... And in less than three weeks, I will launch into my duties for the 2017-18 academic year. My department has shrunk by 50%, and extra responsibilities will now fall on my shoulders.

This coming Lord's Day is our pastor's last Sunday with us. I must be feeling something akin to the emotions of Christ's disciples when He told them of His impending departure. My pastor's messages from God's Word have always given me something to hold onto amidst the stormy seas, and now my only lifeline is being cut.

Because I have said these things unto you, 

sorrow hath filled your heart. 

Nevertheless I tell you the truth; 

It is expedient for you that I go away: 

for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; 

but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 

(John 16:7)

I can do nothing but dig deeper into the Scriptures for comfort now, for it is through those Words of Life that the Holy Spirit can minister to my heart's anguish.

It is good for me that I have been afflicted; 

that I might learn thy statutes. 

(Psalm 119:71)

Perhaps you know sorrow in your heart right now, my dear one. I'm not there to wipe even one of your tears, but we both have the same loving Comforter. May you continue to rest in Him as I learn to do the same!

Praying for you, 

Your Evenstar

Only the Lord is faithful

My dear one,

I don't know if the words will come. The reality that I may never know you has been painfully present these past several months, and my heart aches to even verbalize this thought.

When I was with my family last month, keenly feeling my grandfather's absence now that he is with the Lord, I cautioned myself that there are very, very few men left like my grandfather. Or my father, for that matter.

I am on the Titanic, in just about every facet of life, and wondering how long it'll stay afloat. My church is seeing some dark days and our pastor has been called to another assembly. My place of employment has had some extreme budget cuts and layoffs, and my workload is to increase this fall. At both my job and my church, I am pretty much taken for granted, and no one knows how lonely I am.

I just keep whispering these words:
"Change and decay in all around I see,
O, Thou Who changest not, abide with me."

Only the Lord is faithful.

Perhaps you see this too. Maybe you are walking a dark or foggy path, not able to see where the Lord is leading you. Remember that His Word is a lamp for our feet on such a path. Maybe you feel, like Elijah, that "you alone are left." Remember that the Lord has His servants in the least expected places, though you may not know them yet. Keep trusting, keep praying, keep smiling. The Lord will use you in great ways.

I am praying for you, my dear one, even if I never meet you!
Your Evenstar