Sunday, April 19, 2009

What Might Have Been

It's hard to believe it's been nearly 7 and a half months since I wrote this post. It was back on August 30th, the day we realized we would never hold the baby we'd only known for a short while. Prior to that, Dr.'s had predicted our child would be born today, April 19th.

Last fall this day seemed far into the future, but today as my mind thinks about what might have been that Saturday in August seems like yesterday. Time has lessened the pain, but today, the day I'd circled on the calendar seems to have brought it back.

Especially the loneliness of the loss. Had our baby been born, there would have been smiles of joy and calls of congratulations. In the future, this would have been a day many would remember, one we'd celebrate with cake and candles every year to come. But that is not the case - instead it seems I'm alone thinking about the child God is holding while I cry.

As I think about that, I'm reminded that He remembers. He will never forget the tears I cried, the little one I loved or the pain I felt. He also reminds me of the strength He provided, the comfort He offered and the hope I have in Him. And of the truth, that someday I will see this little one.

Though I am grieving the loss of a child I never saw, I know the last 9 months have provided other new beginnings. This growth will never take the place of my little "J," but yet I know it's all part of God's plan.

I once heard Tony Dungy talk about the purpose of pain and how it connects a child with his or her parents. He went on to share the same is true for us as adults - when we are in pain, we look to God for help because when no one else can carry the burden, understand the hurt or change the situation, He is there.

God showed me that quite often in the days following my miscarriage and today as I experience emotions others don't understand, He is reminding me once again...

God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalms 46:1

For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

So on a day that began with me thinking about what might have been, God has reminded me that it's not about my plans, but His. Tonight I will rest in His peace knowing that (even though at times I don't understand and sometimes life is hard,) God's word says, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you." Jeremiah 29:11-12

And just as God knows the plans He has for me, I know the same was true for my little "J." And for you!

5 comments:

Lelia Chealey said...

Beautiful Jill! I'm sure knowing that God wouldn't have allowed this to happen without something awesome coming from it has to give you some peace.
I will pray for you tonight Jill.
love ya,
Lelia

Lysa TerKeurst said...

Sweet Jill...

I am thinking about and praying for you today. Today I will set aside my prayers for She Speaks and instead pray for God to fill your heart with comfort and peace.

Hugs to you my cyber friend!

Rachel Beran said...

Jill,

First of all, I'm sorry that I forgot the day (especially when you were so sweet to remember the day of my loss). I thought of it earlier in the week then let it slip my mind. No excuse. I'm sorry! Please know that it's not because I don't love you or that I don't care!

Your words were so beautiful and brought tears to my eyes as I thought about the "what might have been" that has been filling both of our hearts. I'm so very thankful that we have a Heavenly Father who carries our burdens. What would we do without His love? I pray you feel his strength today!

I love you, dear friend!

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

I know of no words to take away your pain but I know words of comfort, such as Ps 42:11 "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour, and my God."

He expects you to hurt this day...He made our hearts, our emotions. He mad us like Him. As best as you can, turn the pain back to Him with praises to Him. Praise Him anyway and I bet you'll feel your heart change.

I am so so sorry friend. I am sorry I am late with this too.

He is on your side.

Praying for your peace.

In His Graces~Pamela

Kimberly said...

Sweet Jill,
I am so glad God had you come by my blog so that I could come by your blog! You were so sweet to offer me prayer, and I just want you to know that I am going to be praying for you.

My heart aches for you as I read about your precious "J". I am so sorry for your loss, but I am so thankful that we serve a God who is so loving and personal and who will continue to love on you and bring healing to your heart. You are so right about Him understanding...about how He lost a Son, too. May you continue to find strength and hope in His Word.

Love and prayers,
Kimberly