N -- NAVIGATE
When I googled the word navigate this was the first thing that popped up:
“Plan and direct the route or course of a ship, aircraft, or other form of transportation, especially by using instruments or maps.”
One thing that is significant to me about this definition is the ship reference. My husband was called Captain by a pastor friend. When he passed, I prayed, Father, you be the captain now. I surrender. I’m waving my white flag. Once I released my future, goodness happened.
My niece chose to move in with me the day my husband passed. She has been here for all my many grieving moments. She has constantly been a lifeline for me. To be given the gift of not grieving alone was something not so common and was a measure of goodness that can never be repaid. And for my kids to see that life can move forward is invaluable as well. The kids had mentioned that we would stay a family of four. That brought safety and peace of mind. We have been through a lot. We have fought hard for freedom to be our stories. The single season that my niece and I are navigating together has been interesting, but we chose not to date. We said we would wait for our future mates. God brought a widow and her niece, with a 12-year age difference, onto the same page for a season. It’s almost been three years and the story continues.
An interesting thing about navigating life after death is who shows up. The most unexpected people show up in times of grief and loss. Never discount who comes. It will surprise you. It also shows you who has the capacity to handle this type of emotions. Not everyone can handle the process.
In sitting with me in my pain and validating my suffering, my niece came alongside me as I took one step after another through the grief process. Remember, as senders, your job isn’t to navigate the grief process for the person who is suffering. It’s to sit in the passenger seat, just like my niece did, and be a guide on the journey.
I pray you find your person. I pray you connect inwardly, because the Word says,
“Some friendships don’t last for long, but there is one loving friend who is joined to your heart closer than any other!”
Proverbs 18:24 TPT
“To the fatherless he is a father. To the widow he is a champion friend. To the lonely he makes them part of a family. To the prisoners he leads into prosperity until they sing for joy. This is our Holy God in his Holy Place! But for the rebels there is heartache and despair.”
Psalms 68:5-6 TPT
“The LORD will tear down the proud person’s house, but he will protect the widow’s property.”
Proverbs 15:25 NCV
This last verse spoke to my heart so deeply. I know it is a promise and I am going to hold the Father to His Word. I am protected!! I am not navigating this journey alone. The Father is my true Captain now. It’s taken time to shift priorities, but let me encourage you with this: Adventure awaits when the Father is given permission to hold the wheel!!
I hope you have been enjoying this 6-week look into what a sender looks like for you and me. Next week will be on D for Deepen.
And as always, you can bring your cheer and smile from ear to ear!!
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