Do you feel God’s love during the tough times and even when you are going through loss?

My uncle passed away recently and a sweet soul recommended that I feel God’s love throughout the process as I was traveling to say goodbye to him and again when I was returning for the funeral.

Interesting that the one direction I’d like to say that I would have turned during this time may not have been the case had I not been reminded to do so.

As I sat in the hospital room with my cousin, I kept reminding myself of these wise words and kept telling myself to feel God’s love.  I think one of the hardest things in life is saying goodbye, especially in the cases where you know you will probably never see someone that you love again.

As the time approached for me to say my goodbyes, I felt like a 12 year old little girl who wanted to cry out for my mommy and daddy that happened to be in the waiting room down the hall.  When my cousin asked me if I wanted to be alone or if I wanted her to stay with me to say goodbye (and even though my goal was to be there for her and be strong for her), I instantly burst into tears and shrugged my shoulders and “I don’t know” were the only words I could half way mumble out of my mouth.

She gave me a minute to collect myself and I pulled it together and decided I would tell him goodbye alone.  It was a sweet moment to kiss his cheek and forehead and tell him how handsome he was and that I loved him very much.  I felt God’s love in those moments.

I also got to witness my cousin caring for her father in such a loving and sweet way and I was amazed at how beautiful it can be to watch life come full circle and see a daughter take care of her father when he is no longer able to do simple things for himself anymore.

She was so strong and patient and loving and kind.  And again, I felt God’s love.

I felt God’s love as all of our family gathered together again for the funeral two weeks later and got to spend time together.  I also felt it as we all walked down the church aisle together and sat down beside one another for the service.  And again as we listened to my cousin be so strong and bravely speak about her father and tell wonderful stories and share memories and once more from a beautiful email that her brother sent out following the service sharing his personal stories.

I believe that we have opportunities daily to feel God’s love.  As I drove out of town to say goodbye to my uncle and was focused on feeling God’s love, the sky looked prettier, the trees looked greener, the birds were many and flew closer than usual and beauty seemed to surround me everywhere that I went.

I believe that God’s love is always with us.  Sometimes we just have to ask ourselves to be open to it and to feel it, especially in the times that we need it the most.  We can feel it through love from others, seeing beautiful things, through witnessing miracles, through loss, through birth, through death or through great things happening to us and having an overwhelming sense of literally feeling like God is blessing you because he loves you so much.

Have you felt God’s love lately?  If not, would you be willing to allow yourself to feel God’s love soon?  What would it take for you to allow yourself to accept it?  Perhaps realizing that no matter what you really do deserve it?  I believe the greatest gift we can give to God is to allow him to show us how much he loves us.  I wish that much love for each and every one of you today and always.