Response to the 2nd Sunday of Advent Question

Six months ago when my husband passed away it seemed that all hope for me had passed with him. The life I had dreamed of, had planned on for so many years, had changed in that brief moment of his death. His passing was on the very day of my retirement, the day I had counted down with anticipation of a new life for the both of us. We had hoped to travel a little, have time to see old friends in other areas and finally have time to do what we wanted. But all hope seemed shattered with his passing. It felt like God had abandoned me, had taken away the person that I had put all of my hope and dreams in for so many years. I remember thinking how unfair God had been to me. How could I ever have hope again. I felt lost. Then, one day several month after Matt’s death and in God’s plan, that hope that I had lost was mercifully returned to me.

It was a warm evening as I sat on my patio, alone, the tears and ache in my heart with me once again. His chair next to mine was empty as usual, his presence had vanished yet this time it seemed different. I remember praying that if only I could know that he was there with me, not physically but his spirit near. I also remember asking God to somehow give me a sign that Matt was there with me. I hoped it was possible for a physical sign of some kind. I closed my eyes and prayed from my heart for some miracle. I opened my eyes I could not believe it but here, not more than two feet from me, was a beautiful robin just looking at me. He as so near I could have touched him. It took my breath away and I felt such peace and joy and such hope. Mr. Robin and I just sat there for what seemed to be minutes without moving. I know at that moment that just as the people of long ago had been awaiting a sign from God the Savior would come, I had received my “sign” from God that Matt was with Him and yet near me at that very moment. I was given my hope back that day in God’s way’s and in His time.

Since that evening, when the loneliness creeps over me and I feel such a sense of loss, I think back on that miracle and know that God is with me and will give me the courage to hope and carry on in His plan for me in this life.