On Fridays I try to join The Gypsy Mama for 5 Minute Friday.
I write…unedited for 5 minutes on a word prompt supplied by Lisa – The Gypsy Mama.
Today’s word: See
GO
It has taken me a long time to see things like I see them now. Twenty years ago I didn’t think I could make it. How would I survive losing her?
She was tiny. Oh so tiny.
I ran across her bonnet this week. Stored in a box marked “Amy’s bonnet.” I opened the box and pulled it out. It wasn’t the one she was buried it, it was the one she wore the day she died.
It is white, with lace and a pink ribbon.
Andy came in later the day I found the box. He saw it. He opened it up and held it in his hand. No longer a little boy of four. He is now a strapping young man of 24, 6′ 6″ tall and strong. His big hand holding the small bonnet. His eyes fill with tears and we talk. We talk about her.
We cry.
Twenty years ago I saw it as such a sad time in my life. And it was sad…but the blessing from having her for just 4 short days far outweigh not having her at all.
Life has a way of – scratch that – HE has a way of making good out of bad. I just have to accept that I don’t SEE things the way he does. I only see the knots…
STOP
This poem was in two sympathy cards we received when Amy died…it means a lot to me.
Our lives are but fine weavings
That God and we prepare,
Each life becomes a fabric planned
And fashioned in His care.
We may not always see just how
The weavings intertwine,
But we must trust the Master’s hand
And follow His design,
For He can view the pattern
Upon the upper side,
While we must look from underneath
And trust in Him to guide…
Sometimes a strand of sorrow
Is added to His plan,
And though it’s difficult for us,
We still must understand
That it’s He who fills the shuttle,
It’s He who knows what’s best,
So we must weave in patience
And leave to Him the rest…
Not till the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Shall God unroll the canvas
And explain the reason why —
The dark threads are as needed
In the Weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.
—Author Unknown
Check out other 5 minute Friday posts here.
Have a great weekend.
Mary, thank you so much for the gift of this post. And for the reminder that we don't see things the way He does, but He does see it all exactly as it's supposed to be. And eventually we will see it too. Many blessings this Friday and always –
Thank you…I love your name! 🙂
Oh Mary…there are no words…I can only imagine what your family has gone through. I am teary as I write this to you. The closest person I lost is my mother and yes, seeing the way He does, well we just don't as you said and that is plain hard. My heart aches with you. May His peace and comfort fill you up to overflowing today.
We don't see things the way He does and it took me many years to get to the point of seeing her four short days as a blessing. But I am so glad and grateful that He graced me with this small blessing.
Thanks for stopping by.
I cannot imagine how hard this had to be for you – but it is incredible how you are able to look back and see how He has made good out of the bad. May you experience more and more of His grace and goodness.
Thank you, Karien. His grace is more than sufficient.
Oh my, oh my. That is absolutely beautiful. It is good to see that, by the grace of God, you have survived the heartache. I would even guess you have survived well.
At the time it seemed like surviving was all I could do, but as time has passed I see that God's grace REALLY IS good and sufficient!
You are a living testimony of God's grace and this post is just beautifully moving. All of it, the photo, your words, the poetry. So grateful for his hand of providence even when we don't understand it.
I, too, am grateful for his hand!
Oh Mary, my heart aches to read this. Even years later, your words convey your heartbreak. But also, your trust in the Lord and desire to find His beauty even in the "knots." Blessings to you, and your family.
Thank you, Maureen
What a beautiful testimony of God’s faithfulness…and how now you can turn and give hope to those in such dark times when there seems no hope for light…thanks for sharing…blessings to you~
thank you so much for stopping by!
That is sad, to say goodbye befoe you really can say 'hello'… it is a heart hurt. I am sorry.
Your son sounds very tender and understanding… that has to be a wonderful gift.
It is sad, but God made something beautiful out of it.
Mary, I cannot imagine losing a child. I am so thankful for a loving Heavenly Father who sees far beyond what I can, and always brings the good.
Me too, Barbie…me too! I am very thankful that HE can see what I cannot.
Oh wow. This was tough to read and I hurt for you. But I have to say your grace in handling it is very inspirational and a reminder to me to rely on God in these rough times. Thank you for sharing your testimony
You are welcome, Holly. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by.
Mary,
The photo you put up is beautiful. I tried to leave a comment yesterday but it wouldn't go through. Reading this is just as hard now as the first time I read about your beautiful Amy and my thoughts and prayers are with you.I'm glad you got to spend some time with her, Mary, even though it was very short. Sending you a hug, my friend. Losing a child has to be the greatest loss anyone could ever go through.
Thank you, Mary. You are such an encouragement.
Blessings on you, sweet friend, as you remember.