Come Rain or Shine | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Come Rain or Shine | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pauline Carruthers
05/28/14
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Come Rain or Shine

I met him just after midnight on the darkest night of my life when my world was falling apart. Divorce, even when a welcome release, is a devastating forerunner to adverse feelings of failure, the inevitable sense of inadequacy and low self esteem. Broken.

In despair I sought him and he broke through barriers built up against the pain of physical and verbal abuse, bringing freedom to a sleeping soul, hope to a shattered heart and fractured mind. A fountain of intense love gushed, like a drenching shower on a grateful thirsty bud. My first taste of heavenly joy.

Gently nurturing my fragile faith he cared for my little family, leading us to a loving Christian Fellowship. He taught me to trust him in all circumstances, gently rebuking when fear brought failure; holding me close through three temporary homes, though he knew I longed for the tangible security of a long term settled home. He lovingly allowed my faith to grow a little at a time, never pushing the barriers until he knew I was ready. And when he did move the barriers he held me tightly, like a wilful child struggling against the loving arms of a protective parent.

My excitement and gratitude at the promise of our third home being on a ten year lease rapidly died, when only a three year lease was available. Trust was severely tested as I struggled against the devastating disappointment. Anxiety and confusion invaded my thoughts. But my friend simply allowed the inner tantrum to rage, until it burned out and I was ready to face him in repentance and sorrow at my hurtful attitude. Love is patient.

The house was to be let unfurnished and I enthusiastically browsed the local auctions with friends. When every item we bid for sold at a grossly inflated price my dearest friend lovingly took the brunt of my inner turmoil and disappointment. Didn’t he know we needed to furnish our new home and wasn’t it true that nothing was impossible for him?

“Trust me in the sunshine and the rain.”

Suddenly plans changed again and the house was to be let furnished. My repentant tears were wiped dry with my best friends love.

Towards the end of our three year lease I began to wonder what my friend had in mind for our future. Trust had grown and peace filled my heart. He had been all I had needed since the moment I first met him. Perfect husband to me, father to my children, head of our little home. He had allowed many difficulties to strengthen my trust and faith and though there had been many times when the trials had seemed just one step too far, he had reminded me that never once had he let go of my hand.

Heavy rain beat a rhythm on dull winter windows as I turned to greet a stranger who had only recently met my best friend and was joining our prayer group. My friend whispered that I would marry this man. To say the stranger’s face displayed confusion would be an understatement, as panic stricken, I grabbed my coat and rapidly headed out through the door, running all the way home, fear giving speed to high heel clad feet.

My friend is always right and within two months David and I were married, sharing joyful blessings with our pastor and church friends. David’s testimony always used to include the day an unknown lady took one look at him and fled.

When our best friend directed us into a mission my heart was filled with wonder and thankfulness that he had known I would only need a three year lease on our home.

Twenty five years later I can look back on the most beautiful and treasured years of my life. Though complete opposites in personality and experience our best friend drew us closer together with every passing year, remaining as head of our family, designating our daily care into David’s loving hands.

Now I’m a widow and even the word is painful, but my best friend is tenderly closer than ever, leading and guiding, pouring healing and peace into a heart that he taught to trust and love. My future is still in his hands as I wait for the completion of the sale of our home and my return to the place by the sea where we first met. And as the song says, ‘I will praise Him in this storm’.

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