***Below is something I wrote in 2012 and wanted to share it again, adding to it with an update at the end, since today is the 10 year anniversary from when it was originally written.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  Revelation 21:4

Yesterday this verse brought me amazing comfort but not because I read it in a study yesterday.  If you have read my blog before, you know I am not a stranger to tragedy or heartache, which makes this a favorite verse of mine.

Last year, on January 10th, I called my daddy in West Virginia to tell him I was on my way to see him.  For those of you who don’t know, January 10th is my birthday and the 14th was my daddy’s.  Every year we would celebrate together.  However, last year was a bit different.  He was on his death-bed waiting to pass.  My sisters and I had arranged for each of us to visit him, leaving me the last so I could be with him on our birthday.  Nine days later, on my daughter’s birthday the 23rd, daddy went to Heaven.

Since you now know the back story, the verse may make more sense.

On a day when I wanted to celebrate and enjoy myself, I ended up thinking of him.  He always knew how to make me feel valued.  I went to bed crying myself to sleep until God whispered this verse into my heart.  He wanted to remind me that my tears won’t last forever.

Even though I was daddy’s littler girl and this time of year will never be the same, I will always be His little girl and He is ready to wipe away every tear.  I woke up feeling a lot better and I am hoping to cling to this feeling through the 14th and the 23rd.

If you have some time on the 14th and/or the 23rd, I would covet your prayers for me and my family.  Prayerfully it will bring me comfort and remind me again that….

Revelation 21:4 will happen!

Ten years later, I can still vividly remember the last moments I had with my daddy before he passed.  I don’t go to bed in tears around my birthday but the first few years after his death, my birthday wasn’t the same.  I was only able to walk through the time of my birthday if I had a friend help distract me with going to the movies or having a party.

Although I miss daddy and take a little pause around my birthday to feel the “missing,” I have such great joy knowing the joy he has in God’s presence.  I know I will see him again and no longer mourn the void he left.  God fills that void because I asked Him to.

The day will come, when all tears are wiped away, and replaced with awe.