Today, April 19, 2018, marks the 7th anniversary of the passing of my father from this life into heaven. I was just thinking about him as I scrolled through some old blog posts, and came across this one, which brought tears to my eyes in a good way as I read about the loving act my father did for me many years ago when I needed it most.
Original Post 7/24/2014:
"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head..." Psalm 3:3
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| Young Fawn at dawn in my neighborhood today |
I was reading in the book "Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young the devotional reading for today, July 27. Here is what it says:
"Hope is a golden cord connecting you to heaven. This cord helps you hold your head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting you. I never leave your side, and I never let go of your hand. But without the cord of hope, your head may slump and your feet may shuffle as you journey uphill with Me. Hope lifts your perspective from your weary feet to the glorious view you can see from the high road. You are reminded that the road we're traveling together is ultimately a highway to heaven. When you consider this radiant destination, the roughness or smoothness of the road ahead becomes much less significant. I am training you to hold in your heart a dual focus: My continual Presence and the hope of heaven."
This reminded me of a time in my life when I was going through a very difficult time, and it was tempting to hang my head in despair and hide away from prying eyes and wagging tongues. That year for Christmas my father surprised me with a special gift that I will never forget. We had previously lived in the north country, where moose were a very BIG part of our lives. (pun intended). If you were lucky, you might see a live moose walk through your yard occasionally (as we did).
If you were not so lucky, you might NOT see a moose crossing the road in front of your car in the middle of the night...and then you'd be in BIG trouble.
That is why you would often see along side every road a sign that said:
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| (Picture from Internet) |
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| Internet Photo |
I had often mentioned to my my father, who was a retired hobby carpenter, that since I had moved back to Florida it would be such fun to have a "moose" in my yard again...meaning a wooden cut out of a moose. He always said "maybe, sometime when he had time, he'd think about it..." And then in that particular year some things had happened that brought sorrow and disappointment to our home, and having a moose in my yard was probably the last thing on my mind. But apparently not on my sweet father's mind. Imagine my surprise on Christmas when he led me out into his back yard with my eyes closed and standing there was the most delightful bull moose ever seen in the state of Florida! It looked something like this:
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| Internet Photo |
Actually there were two of them, which I don't have a picture of, but the other had its head lowered, and it was a gift for a friend of ours who was also from New England. But about the one standing tall and erect as above, my father said, "This one is for you, because I want you to always hold your head up high like this and be strong." It brings tears to my eyes even now to remember that moment, and how loving and compassionate my Daddy was as he presented his gift to me that day. It was a gift of love and hope to me from my earthly father, but I believe it was also from my Heavenly Father. HE wanted me to know that I was not alone in my struggle...and that He was to me, as quoted above in Psalm 3:3 ~
"But You, O Lord, are a shield for me,
My glory and the One who lifts up my head."
and then
"I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill.
I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselves against me all around."
Psalm 3:5-6
I wish I could say that all my troubles were magically over at that moment, but that was not the case. However, my attitude was changed...my hope was restored...and I was better able to hold my head high and move forward with renewed strength and courage, ready to face the future knowing that God was with me, sustaining me, and making my path straight.
And now, "It is God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer, and sets me on my high places..." Psalm 18:32-33
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| Bye Bye little deer! You have cheered my heart today! |
In loving memory of my dad, this is one of my favorite pictures of the two of us, taking a nap on a Sunday afternoon. Precious memories.
William F. Mursch, 8/9/1918 ~ 4/19/2011
