The God of Second Chances
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My first marriage ended with the unexpected death of my husband, Jerry. After his death, I didn't even think about remarriage. I wasn't afraid of being alone. After all, I didn't say "I do" to Jerry until I was 36 years old, when I was well established in my career as a human resources manager.
Delighted as I was to share life with Jerry, my inner drive often found me focused on work more than on quality time with him. Oh, I honored and adored him. But had I known earlier that Jerry would die prematurely, surely I would have made different choices earlier in our marriage.
After Jerry was diagnosed with a terminal illness, I took those second chances. I reset my priorities, cut back on work hours, and "loved on" Jerry. I regularly took time off work to participate in transplant support group meetings with this man I loved.
Often, we sat together quietly on our couch at home, and while I massaged his feet, Jerry leaned back, relaxed, and talked about his hopes and fears in this new challenge.
Then arms around each other, tears flowed as we listened to the melodic harmonies and uplifting words of a favorite male quartet as they sang about hope and faith and peace.
"When peace, like a river, attendedeth my way,
"When sorrows like sea billows roll;
"Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
"It is well, it is well, with my soul."
Life Isn't Over Yet
I worried less about having a clean house. I delegated more work assignments. I stopped responding to e-mails 'til the wee hours. I cared less about what others thought (my boss, colleagues, friends) and focused on ensuring Jerry knew how much I respected and loved him. I thanked him more—for loving me well, for wise decisions he made, and for making me laugh.
Once I told him I couldn't stand the thought of one of us being without the other, so I asked the Lord to take us home together.
"You're not driving any more," was his instant response.
Once he was hospitalized, I spent most of every day with Jerry for the next five months-holding his hand, talking, praying, and just being there. I'm grateful that I began taking my second chances before my sweetheart passed away in my arms.
After Jerry died, God spoke to me through Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you … plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." God had given us 20 wonderful years together and I knew his plan for me wasn't finished yet. As I struggled to redefine myself as a newly single woman, I mentally kept God's promise before me.
Resetting My Priorities
Two years after Jerry's death, I met Don. We became easy friends, then one evening, he placed his hand on my shoulder and said, "Is there a chance for a relationship between us down the road?"
His vibrant blue eyes searched mine.
I was momentarily taken aback. Was I willing to get married again? Was it possible that God had placed Don in my life for a second chance at love and intimate companionship?
Related Topics:
Healing, Mistakes, New Life, Opportunity, priorities, regret
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Min.Kenneth Emmanuel Sr.
I am so proud of you my sister: Some never learn, God will not care about how much money we've made, It is not his concerned about how far we've went up the corporate ladder. It is his of his highest priority of how we treated others, his sons, or his daughters, that he joined us together with & the children that he has put under our charge. I started not to even read your article for most have no clue of how a Godly women is to carry themselves. Instead only displays the feminist movement with spiritual undertones to make it appear creditable. I am in total agreement with today is our second chance at trying to live in a Holy fashion pleasing to the Most High! May your words reach into the spirit of our sisters & brothers that they may rethink what is really a priority, & pleasing unto the Holy One of Israel. Blessings & Peace to your home! P.S. I will post this on my Facebook page & on my online outreach ministry's website SoundDoctrinecm.org
Kijo
Thank you for sharing your story and yes i do believe that God is a God of second chances, my marriage was broken but God put all the broken pieces together and we now enjoy peace like never before. Truly, God can do anything, turn things around for good and exceed all our expectations.
STEPHEN
The article is sincere and inspiring.I also pray and wish a good second chance, God willing. It is wonderful to be encouraged.
Jean
I'm very touched by this article. I'm divorced. I gave 26 years of devotion to my husband and my marriage still failed. Now, after 15 years alone I have someone who loves me and wants me to be his wife. I've been afraid of commitment even though I desire to be loved and to give love again. I realize that I don't show enough my appreciation for how strong, kind and wonderful he is. I need to stop expecting the "other shoe to drop" and embrace the love that has come to me.
nompilo
I am so encouraged by this article. HE IS indeed a God of second chances and He loves us dearly. God bless you for sharing your story. I appreciate my husband and marriage more after reading this!
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