Worthwhile Wednesday Check-In: Finding Blessings in a Difficult Season

I had so many plans for this week but I should have thought the LORD might have had his own plans and that is what I’ve been facing this week. Some Wednesdays are filled with plans, errands, and the normal rhythm of everyday life. But then there are Wednesdays that mark a moment in time you will never forget.

Today is one of those Wednesdays. This is the first Wednesday with my father-in-law in Heaven. In just a little bit I have to go meet my mother n law and brother in law Mike with David to set up funeral arrangements for him. I’m very blessed they are allowing me to help but I am struggling as Charlie is wanting to come.

This is his grandfather and he needs to be there but he wants to bring Bradley who is also like a grandchild and David’s son. But we do not need drama of any kind today. So I sit here and PRAY and try not to worry about what others have to say because hopefully Bradley will not be up.

As I sit here and work today for a long time, I prayed and hoped this day would not come. Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy, and there will always be an empty space where that person once stood. I know I will miss him every day for the rest of my life. But even through the sadness, there is also gratitude.

I am grateful, thankful, and blessed knowing he is no longer suffering. I find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and that the struggles he faced here on earth are behind him. Grief is a complicated thing. It can bring tears one moment and beautiful memories the next. It reminds us that the people we love leave behind pieces of themselves in our hearts.

As our family begins this new chapter, we are also thinking about Granny and what life looks like moving forward. There are changes ahead, new routines to create, and a new path to walk together. But we do not have to walk it alone. We just have to reach out to the LORD.

Even during difficult seasons, there are still moments worth holding onto.

This week, I am thankful for:

❤️ The memories we will always carry featuring Pa
❤️ The love our family shared with him
❤️ The comfort of knowing he is no longer hurting and Granny is struggling to take care of him
❤️ The people who have reached out with kindness and prayers from our friends to our family thank you
❤️ The reminder to treasure the time we have with the people we love because tomorrow isn’t promised

Sometimes the biggest blessings are not the things we planned for. Sometimes they are found in the strength God gives us to face the moments we never wanted. I thought I would take the time and share A Little Wednesday Reminder with you that you can share with your friends and family.

You never truly know what someone else is carrying. The person next to you at the store, the neighbor walking by, or the person who serves your coffee may be facing something difficult behind the scenes.

A simple smile.
A kind word.
A quick “How are you doing?”

Those small moments can mean more than we realize. Today, my challenge for myself — and for anyone reading this — is to choose kindness.

Take a moment to encourage someone.
Send a message.
Say hello.
Let someone know they matter.

You never know when a small act of kindness may be exactly what someone needed. Thank you for allowing me to share a piece of our family’s journey with you.

Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed

Thank you,

Glenda, Charlie and David Cates