ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©¹

This intricate watercolor was painted by Paul shortly after winter left and what remained was the start of new life. As we travel this world there will be ups and downs. Situations occur that we have no control over – like a change of seasons – a diagnosis of cancer – a lost love. Even though our hearts will break temporarily, there is always hope in the future when you’re grounded in the risen Savior, Jesus. He gave up everything to make sure we’d have a free ride into heaven when we leave this place. Grief can be difficult to handle. Tears fall at the most unexpected times. A memory, a word, an object, things you won’t look at in the same way ever again – all just whispers in the wind. Grief can be considered “good” even when we think we can no longer go on. It forces us to search our memory for all the positives in your life. Your path may take you in different directions, but Jesus has promised to be with you for eternity. He will hold your hand through the rough spots. He will guide you through the yuck of life. He will place solutions right before your eyes. He will never leave you. He’s available 24/7 and then some. Even when it seems hopeless – even when you aren’t sure you can go on – even when the darkness of sadness shrouds your tearful eyes – God has this.

Eyes welling up with tears,

Hearts broken,

Aloneness,

Empty,

Cold,

Bitter,

Angry,

The days grow shorter,

The light fades,

Sleep comes,

Darkness captures your world,

Followed by depression,

Fear.

Loss,

Denial,

All these will soon pass away,

Life continues when death comes,

If you believe,

If you are connected,

If you know what God has fulfilled for you,

Eternity waits,

In the darkness,

One light,

A tiny ember,

Faith growing,

Confidence building,

Life goes on.

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR ANOTHER DAY!