AKA #lentphotoaday, April 15th word of the day is FOUND.
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch; like me! I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see.” A hymn by John Newton
If I had a penny for how many times I have sung this song, mostly at funerals, I would have a couple bucks. But no seriously. I really have been singing it at funerals and celebrations of life since I was a teenager. It’s the saddest superpower ever. It’s also one thing I can do to help, to comfort, to give back to those who are mourning. One of the worst days of my whole life was singing it at the graveside of my dear friends’ child. There are not enough tears in the world to drown that pain, but I hope I helped soothe with a song. I cry as I write this. Ugh.
I actually walked by her place of rest the other day. I was also recently just there witnessing the burial of another friend and it was also a hard day. Sunday, My husband and I were on a walk and I was not feeling the greatest on the way back, so I didn’t stop in to see her at her gravesite, but I thought lovingly of her and reminisced about her beautiful smile and spirit. It hurts your heart all over again to think of it. I’ll make the walk back tomorrow and go visit her resting place. I’ll never, none of us, understand. It’s up to me to work through my personal heartache with losing those who we love, to at least find comfort in the fact that they are within the realms of the Kingdom of Heaven and they are at peace.
The most popular reference using the word “FOUND” is from Jeramiah 15:16 stating “ Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O Lord God of hosts.” It’s the revelation of finding absorbing and internalizing God’s word; laying the the rock and the foundation. I gravitate to Amazing Grace and the meaning of the hymn, where it speaks of a journey from despair to hope, finding peace and joy along the way.
I once was lost, but now am FOUND. Was blind, but now I see. I’m getting there.
Love you.
HEATHERLAND 