His Feathers

As the weather grew colder in the first months after Kristen died, a sweet friend wrote to me that she wanted to get me a down blanket as a reminder of Psalm 91:4:

He will cover you with his feathers,
   and under his wings you will find refuge;
   his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

There's a comfort in that verse that has become more real to me this year.  It is only through God's faithfulness that I am still standing.  He's been my strength when I have had absolutely none of my own.  The very verse that was shared with me in such love inspired something that I've been able to share with others, from those who have attended our local GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays seminars to friends who themselves have had to face the pain of saying goodbye to a loved one all too soon.

If you are in that place of wishing that it was January already; if these last weeks of holiday hubbub have left you with a feeling of dread rather than thankfulness or anticipation, I understand.  This prayer is for you:

Dear Heavenly Father,
     Please let each one who needs it feel the comfort of your feathers, the warmth of You around their shoulders.  Allow them to know the protection of your wings as You envelop them in your mighty and merciful way.  Help them to allow your faithfulness to bolster them to withstand the storms.  Calm their spirits and give them peace, Lord, the peace that only You can give.
     In Your Son's precious name,
          Amen.