The unfinished wood trim on my windows

Today was a beautiful day outside.

        The sun was shining.
             I opened my windows to let the spring air in and I could hear the birds singing. Spring is here. For most it is a time of joy and a reminder of new life.

For me it is a reminder of death.

Two years ago another spring day. A day that started out so perfect, so full of promise...

We were finally getting a brand new set of windows. The contractors were here.

One phone call changed it all, the police car at my door...the horror and shock and utter disbelief that what was supposed to be a only a nightmare was indeed reality.

By the time the contractors finished the job, he was gone.
They were kind and sympathetic and even put the curtains back up.

But the wood trim was left for us to paint - was not part of the contract.

I sat on my bed this morning - the sun was streaming in and my eyes fell on the wood trim.
     Almost 2 years later still raw, unfinished. A stark reminder of that day.

A day of searing loss and grief that will stay with me all the days of my life.

As I gaze at the wood trim, I cannot help but think of another piece of wood - the cross on which My Saviour hung and died for me.

It is Good Friday.

It is a good day to remember.

...He never sinned,

nor ever deceived anyone.

He did not retaliate when he was insulted,

nor threaten revenge when he suffered.

He left his case in the hands of God,

who always judges fairly.

He personally carried our sins

in his body on the cross

so that we can be dead to sin

and live for what is right.

By his wounds

you are healed.

 Once you were like sheep

who wandered away.

But now you have turned to your Shepherd,

the Guardian of your souls. 1 Peter 2:22-25

It is Good Friday - a day like no other. 

A day that changed the world - forever.

A day when Jesus fulfilled God's great plan of redemption. His blood was shed for you and me. He overcame the grave. Once and for all. He tore the veil and opened the way for us to have a relationship with God Himself. He did what we could never do on our own. It is finished He said. 

Once and for all.

Yes my sorrow is great and it does not leave me, But I can rejoice in the cross of Christ.
As I look at the unfinished wood trim, I will choose to think of this day.
I will remember the hope that I have in Jesus.
I will remember and look forward to another day when  "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Rev 21:4