SPECIAL DAYS
Hope you didn’t miss the celebration. Yesterday, June 13, was Sewing Machine Day. But don’t despair. Tomorrow we observe World Juggling Day. And today is Bourbon Day. But more importantly, today is also Flag Day, originating on June 14, 1777 when the Continental Congress passed a resolution giving us the basic design for the U.S. flag.
But as long as I live, June 14 will represent something more significant. It’s Linda’s birthday. She would have been sixty-nine today. Waking up this morning felt empty, without bringing her coffee, flowers and a card, as she reclined in bed. Like a genie in a lamp, on her birthday I lived by the motto, “your wish is my command.”
Linda’s last birthday was bittersweet, as she blew out her candles for the final time. Like a dark cloud hanging over us, we knew in all likelihood, we would never celebrate another one with her. But this past year, God has been gradually healing my life, and I experience a deep sense of being “richly blessed.” My days are often immersed in his joy.
Yes, I hurt. Emptiness fills my heart at times, especially at night. Loneliness moves in like an unwanted companion. But even in the emptiness, God overwhelms my soul with his presence in ways I could never have imagined. Psalm 34:18 is a promise I cling to. “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Just as the pre-incarnate Christ—the “fourth man in the fire”— stepped into the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:25, NKJV), God surrounds us with his presence during our darkest times (Hebrews 13:5-6). He doesn’t take away our sorrow, but fully enters into our pain with his presence.
For me, today is a stark reminder that nothing in this world endures (Psalm 90). In a paradoxical way, God provides this truth as a warm blanket to comfort us. The transitory nature of life creates a longing for eternity—a reminder that something greater awaits us—more wonderful than we could ever imagine. We pour so much energy into enterprises that simply won’t last. Yet in Christ, we have an enduring hope.
While we miss godly loved ones who have departed, we know they don’t share our loneliness for one moment. And we anticipate a time when we can join them in one eternal “birthday” celebration.
Principle: During our difficult times, God surrounds us with his presence.
Ponder:
During your most difficult days, how does God comfort you with his presence?
What hardships are you currently facing where you need a touch from your Father?
Pursue: For a deeper dive, study Psalm 90.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, God of all Comfort, touch me with your healing hand, especially on my most difficult days.
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