Last week, I had the gift of stepping away.
No computers. No work. Just time with family and the opportunity to rest. It was exactly what my heart and mind needed.
During that time, I continued my study through the book of Romans. Today is day 39 of 40, and I will finish the book. Tomorrow is a day of reflection. I can honestly say this has been one of the most meaningful Bible studies I’ve done. It has challenged me, encouraged me, and reminded me again and again of God’s grace.
Today is also Good Friday.
I know it is called “good” because I know what comes next… but it is still hard to sit with what happened to my Lord. The sacrifice. The suffering. The weight of it all. This morning, the sky has been cloudy, with light sprinkles falling — almost like the heavens are weeping.
And then, just as I was sitting with that thought, the sunlight broke through.
It was such a powerful image. Darkness and light, side by side. Grief and hope, held together in the same moment.
And that feels like my life right now.
I am back to a busy day — work, school, children, church, responsibilities, and planning my granddaughter’s eighth birthday. Life doesn’t slow down just because our hearts are carrying something heavy.
And this week, there is something else weighing on me.
Two weeks after my granddaughter’s birthday will mark the second anniversary of her mother’s passing.
I find myself asking hard questions. Do I acknowledge the anniversary with the children? Do I mark it in some way? Or do I allow it to pass quietly? We talk about their mom and dad often, keeping their memory alive in everyday moments… but anniversaries feel different.
I want to do the right thing.
I want to love them well.
And sometimes, I worry that I’ll get it wrong.
But today, as I sat watching the clouds and the sunlight break through, I was reminded of something important.
I don’t have to carry this alone.
Just like Good Friday holds both sorrow and hope, my life can hold both too. I can celebrate a birthday while also honoring grief. I can move forward while still remembering. I can trust that God’s grace covers the places where I feel unsure.
God doesn’t expect perfection from me — He asks for my heart.
And when I don’t know what to do, I can pause, reflect, and lean on Him.
Because He sees the whole picture.
He knows these children.
He knows their hearts.
And He will guide me in loving them well.
📖 Scripture for This Week
Psalm 34:18 (NIV)
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
🙏 Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for being present in both the sorrow and the joy. Thank You for walking with us through seasons that feel heavy and uncertain. Help us to trust You when we don’t have all the answers. Guide us as we care for those You have placed in our lives, and give us wisdom to love them well. Remind us that even in the darkest moments, Your light is always breaking through. Amen.
Thank you for taking a moment to pause and reflect with me during this week’s Moment of Devotion. I am so grateful that you stopped by. 🌿💛
Moments of Devotion 
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