Advent Reflection | Friday, December 11

Today’s A Weary World Rejoices story comes from Rick Thomas:

My mother died on Thanksgiving Day 2002 after a long struggle with brain cancer.

The entire fall leading up to her death, I was becoming increasingly weary as I knew the inevitable was approaching. Everything seemed more difficult.

I was struggling at my work as the business I owned at the time was having financial difficulties. I struggled to help care for my young son and to explain to him what was happening to his grandma. I struggled with guilt over not spending enough time with my mother who lived out of town.

When she finally passed and we had her funeral, I remember hearing the song “Eagles Wings.” I also remember reading the 40th verse from Isaiah.

Both of these things reminded me that trusting in the Lord will give me strength and get me through the hard times. Ever since then, even though Thanksgiving is the anniversary of her death, I feel an inner strength and my faith is renewed.

“And he will raise you up on eagle’s wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of his hand.”

Isaiah 40:31

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.

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