Hindsight is wonderful ... now we understand ... now we see more clearly. Now we can see that we were led along a pathway strewn with miracles.
But back then, all we could see was a rough, rocky, rugged way filled with pain and, worst of all, uncertainty. Yet in the most fearful of shadow-filled times, there came fleeting whispers from the grand old hymns of the Church. While my heart was so heavy, was an angel dispatched to catch my ear?
Listen.............
"I will be with thee thy trials to bless
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."
I ponder these words. Why would I want my deepest distress set apart for me? What sets it apart? Was it specially, lovingly, personally designed for me? Does a hidden treasure lurk there? More words penetrate, lyrical, robed in grace, words carried by a Nail-Pierced Hand.
Listen, oh listen ...........
"The flame shall not hurt thee, I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine."
So much beauty would remain unseen were it not for the blackness of night. There are treasures in the darkness (Isaiah 45:3). Yes, hindsight is wonderful but we miss so much if we don't mine for treasures while still in the dark. It is these treasures that reveal how richly personal is the Lord's relationship with us.
Suffering is a fact and a mystery, a mystery which awakens other mysteries until I know with deep inner knowing that truly..truly..truly.. He does all things well. Then what rest, what rest for my heart in God.
Oh! Is this overpowering emotion a new depth of worship? So much yearning. Lord God, show me Thy glory.
Miracle upon miracle ... and so it will be ... all the way Home.
With love & prayers,