Jimmy’s dogwood tree, which stands sentry over his backyard memorial garden, is graced with new growth today, fresh life emerging where just a few short months ago, there was only barrenness.
The birdbath beside it has become a source of joy both for us and our feathered friends. As they splash and preen, their lilting chirps mingle with the symphony produced each time the wind hits the chimes nearby, weaving a tapestry of sound that brings the garden instantly to life.
On the front porch, a vigilant mama-bird sits dutifully atop a newly constructed nest, close enough for us to see, but mercifully out of the reach of our borrowed “porch swing” cat. Soon enough the arrival of new life will be heralded by the sweet sounds of little ones eagerly awaiting their next meal.
These recent glimpses have been life to me, testifying anew to my weary heart, 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐞 that darkness fades, that winters end, and that life 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 where death has left its mark.
Sorrow’s grip has been relentless, but even as the persistent ache intensifies, I discover evidence of parable and provision in my own backyard. It’s been right there the whole time—the handiwork of a God who makes 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 new.
Evidence of His renewal abounds. Evidence of His abiding declares, “It won’t always be this way. You won’t always ache. You won’t always grieve. You won’t always yearn.”
So, in the words of my precious husband, for whom the tree was planted, spoken just a few weeks before his unexpected death, “When circumstances say otherwise, you look up to the heavens and you declare the goodness and faithfulness of God and you celebrate…that’s right…you celebrate in the midst of a storm. You cheer in the midst of a storm. It’s not that you’re super human. It’s not even that you’re super spiritual. It’s that you know who your Daddy is. He’s got you, and so you do your part. You keep praying without ceasing. You pray, believing. You pray constantly, and you pray in faith. But at the end of the day, you trust. Just keep trusting Him. Keep holding on. Keep believing by faith, and keep trusting Him.”
~ 𝐉𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐲 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐥
Take heart, beloved. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. This life is not all there is. Resurrection Day approaches. This is our hope.