More From Karen Gower Woodard

Today’s meditation is about a period of time in early 2014 when my youngest son, Ben, was hospitalized for a month after suffering a traumatic brain injury at the age of four. That was a very painful, challenging time for our family. There were so many physical and mental obstacles for him to overcome and so many uncertainties about what the future would hold. Fortunately, Ben made a complete recovery, both mentally and physically. He is no longer confined to the wheelchair, and he can walk, talk, run, climb, and play just like his 9-year-old peers. He is a testament to the miraculous power of God.    

The courtyard that I mentioned in the meditation was a very therapeutic place for me during that time. While there, I felt at peace. In that spot, everything seemed to melt away except for that beautiful sound. That’s a small taste of what I imagine heaven to be — a place not only of physical beauty, but of sounds that delight the ear and of peace that invades the soul. I look forward to experiencing the euphoria of heaven that can’t be matched in this life. Until that time, I’m thankful for the small glimpses of the joys that await us that God grants. God gives us reminders of God’s continuous presence in our lives when we need them most. That’s a testament to the steadfast love of God.

“O Lord, God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart.” — 1 Kings 8:23 (NRSV)

May the steadfast love of God fill your heart with peace today.   

Blessings,

Karen