Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

Posted on February 10, 2023 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters

One of the blessings about having grandchildren is watching them grow up before your very own eyes. Unfortunately, for my wife and I, they live 6-7 hours away from us. Facetime is great but its not the same. So, when the opportunity came about that our kids needed help babysitting, as there other grandmother was away for a month, Shirley jumped in and volunteered to go up to Vermont for the month of February and help out. Trust me, this is not a vacation for Shirley. Tending to 5- and 3-year-old children is hard work. And I’m sure she will need a mini vacation when she gets back to Jersey. Cape May here we come!

But, I miss my wife! Sure, I’m keeping busy, plenty of things to do around the house and yard. Spending a few extra hours at work to help out. Doing some extra time and things at church. But not having her physically with me makes me sad and a little lonely. Especially when its night time and we would watch a light hearted show before bed.

Then, I thought of the disciples and how they must have felt when Jesus left them for good to carry on the work, he had started for them. Shirley and I have been together 33 years. The disciples were with Jesus for 3 years. But the impact he had on their lives changed them forever.

“Therefore my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Philippians 2:12)

We know that Paul was talking to the Church at Philippi. But this speaks to all that needed to hear that Jesus’ work did not stop because he was no longer physically here. His spirit lives in all who have faith that he will return one day. Just as my wife will be home with me in a few weeks, I know she is with me in faith, as I am with her. The work of the disciples in the early church made it known that we have a place in heaven when our time here is done. And we all should pray for Christ’s speedy return.

 

Written by Robert Breault: Robert is a full-time staff member serving anyone who’s hungry in the Food Service Department. He is married to Shirley Holmes-Breault who volunteers at the Colony of Mercy at the intake office. Robert and Shirley love the beach, Schroon Lake and their 3 Children and 2 Grandchildren.

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This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.” Psalm 36:5