i will lift my eyes

Todd just gave me the most precious gift. It is the little ring of scriptures that Kathy always kept with her. A friend gave it to her when Brooke went to the hospital the first time, and it was a comfort on many lonely, anguished days of waiting. It was on the counter, at Todd’s house, and I ask him where he found it. It had been in the car. He wanted to know if I wanted it. Did I want it?! It makes me happy; it makes me a little sad, but yes I wanted it…it’s a treasure!

One of the first verses I read was Psalm 121…such beautiful words of promise:

“I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber; The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.”

This passage reminds me of the song that Tori sang at the celebration of Kathy’s life. It’s a song by Bebo Norman. Kathy sang it at church.

“God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near calm my fear and take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

God, my God, let mercy sing
her melody over me
and God, right here all I bring
is all of me
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
the Lover I need to save me
'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
so hold me now

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You.”

This little ring of scriptures reminds me of God’s love for my sister and it reminds me of his love for me. He has the storm under control. I can trust him.

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