Debra
Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.
There are moments, although they may be fleeting, when God shows up and does something very personal. A moment in time that is designed just for us…showing His love, involvement and compassion for His child. I had one of those moments today at work. Totally unexpected…and wonderful.
There are times in the grief journey when the reality of the loss hits with such freshness, it seems like you are facing it for the first time. I had that moment last night looking at a picture of Rick. I see this picture everyday…several times a day. It’s the small picture of us on this blog. But, the original is a life size picture that was taken on Labor Day 2009 and is displayed above my desk. Last night, looking at Rick I had a wave of emotion that was so strong it totally caught me off guard. It was like I had gone backwards and was facing the reality of my loss for the first time. I so much miss seeing his face and his sweet smile. Holding his strong hand and hearing his voice say my name. And then God….
I work for a doctor in Louisville and after seeing the patients I do all the scheduling and instructing for their procedures. After seeing the doctor today a sweet little man of 87 came into my office and sat down. I had stepped out to see another patient out so I missed him coming in. When I came into my office, he looked at me with a serious look on his face and said, “You look like a Debra!” I said, “excuse me?” And he repeated it, “you look like a Debra.” I looked at him and said, “did the doctor tell you my name?” (He will sometimes say, my assistant Debbie will be here in a moment to help you.) He just looked at me and grinned. I told him that my name actually IS Debra and that no-one called me that except one person…my husband. And He had gone to be with Jesus 15 months ago. I scheduled his procedures and talked to him about several things, finding out that he was a Christian and loved the Lord very much.
I am in awe of a God who knows even the smallest details of our lives! I have not heard “Debra” since Rick stopped being able to talk. It was a loving name he used for me, along with “woman and Deb.” There was no reason for this man to say Debra other than one thing…God. I needed to hear it! I needed to know today, in that moment of time, that God was thinking of me. And He knew what would get my attention. Isn’t He wonderful?
What has He done that was just for you? He loves you and knows exactly what you need. It may not be hearing your proper name from a stranger…but it will be something just as personal. Look for it…expect it…and experience the joy of knowing He has done it just for YOU!
Sending much love,
Debra
