“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your path straight.” —Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

It’s been almost seven years since my daughter Rachel has spoken to me. It feels like much longer. In this time Rachel graduated from high school, married, and now has three children, none of whom I have met. I am past the daily questions of why. I no longer get the gut-wrenching aches that make me feel so empty. I pray often that I will gain the courage to try to contact her. She and her family live only blocks from me, but I continue to be afraid. I am afraid I will reach out one more time only to relive the hurt of no response.

Though God has left me with many questions, I have come to see that not all questions will get answers. Oftentimes we must just accept and move on.

My faith in Jesus Christ has given me the strength to look forward and to see I must continue to praise God, live, and share of myself to do the work that God has called me to do.

God’s presence in my life reminds me of my favorite pair of slippers or my favorite blanket wrapped around me; I can feel God’s healing embrace. When I am afraid, God gives me strength; when I feel alone, God holds me close and calms me; when I am hurt, God soothes my soul.

In Baptism my sins were forgiven, because Jesus Christ died to give me and all who believe in him everlasting salvation. The least I can do is to serve God and praise his never-ending glory (though I will try to do more).

Dear God, please help all families to get along, to heal old wounds and to forgive. Help us all to know and feel your love and your healing embrace. Amen.

Colin Barron