the struggle is real

The struggle is real.

Every morning I miss Bill's kiss and his prayer.
Every day I miss his voice and his hugs.
Every night I miss hearing him say "I love you."

The struggle is real.

Every day I am reminded of Bill's absence.

Every day I have to choose to practice thankful living.

Every day there is temptation to focus on what I don't have.

The struggle is real.

Some times my limbs feel so heavy I wonder how I can move.
Some times my heart feels so raw I wonder if there has been any healing.
Some times my chest feels so weighted I wonder how I keep breathing.

The struggle is real.

In order to go on,
In order to remain hopeful
In order to hold on to peace and joy,
I willingly acknowledge that I am weak,
I willingly admit that I cannot win this struggle on my own.

"we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

The struggle is real.
My enemy is real.
I have a battle plan.

Every morning I spend time reading the Bible.
Every day I spend time praying.
Every night I spend time thinking about my blessings.

This does not take the tears and pain away.
This does not make me immune to grief and sorrow.
This does keep me focused on what is important, on the eternal.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."   

Ephesians 6:10-20

The struggle is real.
But, I do not face this battle on my own.