The Story of the Crosses

She wanted me to paint crosses. Lots of little crosses. All with Scripture verses on the back. Her daughter needed them for an event. She'd already bought those available at the store but there weren't enough.

I had furniture orders backed up. It had been an especially rough summer following a particularly tough year. I have not mastered the art of manufacturing extra hours in my days. How could I possibly add one more thing? How could I not? Of course I said yes.

My reasons were varied. I especially like this sweet woman who called. I love her quick smile and her deep faith. I knew that with the exception of cutting the wood with the saw, I could paint the crosses at night and when the weather was too wet for anything to dry in the shop.

I managed to get the wood cut, the pieces sanded and base coated.

It was just another day. Errands and cows and a visit with my Daddy, who was in rehab again. I never expected him to start wheezing while we were there. I wasn't prepared for the trip to the ER or the doctor's blunt words. I didn't expect to leave the hospital days later, carrying an emptiness inside that will remain all my days on this earth.

Exhaustion provides a numbing agent that gets you through the days. Friends rallied and my Mother and I were held closely, feeling the strength of their prayers and their love.

When it was all over, the crosses waited for me. I thought of my Daddy as I drew and painted. I considered the hours he spent reading the Bible as I searched for just the right verses for each cross. And I found comfort in the promises of Jesus.

My heart will always ache for the first man I ever loved. Goodbye hurts. But I am so thankful that because of the cross and what Jesus did for him and for me and for all of us, I will see him again one day.

I had no idea what was coming that day but God knew. I needed to paint those crosses. I needed the comfort of His promise speaking over my days in that first week. I am so grateful for that phone call, for that opportunity, for that sweet friend.