As a lot of you already know, my family and I moved to the UK as missionaries early this year. We were originally going to move over here the beginning of last August but then it got bumped to like October due to COVID and then bumped yet again this time to the beginning of February. It was very hard for me/us to be patient and okay with not knowing when we were going to move over here; at the time I couldn't see any point in the continued delay but now I wouldn't move over here a minute sooner. After we were over here only like a month and a half, my dear...dear Papaw passed away. Because we were delayed until the beginning of February, we got 6 whole more months to spend time with him that we wouldn't have had otherwise.
When we left the airport to fly over here, my Papaw was as healthy as typical. I never thought that the hug I gave him in the airport would be the very last one I could ever give him on this earth. It was very difficult for us when Papaw left this earth to go spend eternity with our dear Saviour. Due to cost, COVID regulations, time, etc. we weren't able to fly back for his funeral or visitation, but we were able to 'be there' through FaceTime. After Papaw's death, I went through a season where I was cold toward God and just couldn't understand why He would take him from us right now, I mean after all we had just moved across the ocean as missionaries. According to God's great mercy, He softened my heart yet again and reminded me who He is and caused me to repent of my anger towards Him.
When we're in the midst of trials and struggles, we don't understand what the point in it is, but when we are on the other side we can see it clearly. God has taught me so...much especially over the course of the past year, and, even though I still don't understand why He chose to take my loving Papaw when He did or what the purpose in it was, I do know that God never makes mistakes and that He alone is wise (1 Timothy 1:17). His way is always best even when we don't understand.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
