II Samuel 22:2-3 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my rock in whom I take refuge… New American Standard (NAS)
Childfree. Childless. Loss of a dream. The realization of this loss took me to a small village and a cabin that I rented. L’Abri is a retreat area founded by Francis and Edith Schaeffer in a Swiss valley with cabins, library, resources for study and discussion. The cabin was filled with Christian books and most importantly, the woman who had lived there had left her personal Bible. It was marked through with underlines, dates, and people’s names. It was worn and tattered, but I found it a precious source of wisdom. I read, hiked the valley,
prayed and gave that unborn child loss to Christ. I took the Lord as my rock, fortress and deliverer. I placed the unknown and unnamed child at the foot of the cross. Jesus allowed me to give that child to him. His love and compassion in my grief were life changing. Whenever I think of the love and grace of Christ for us, I know he ministers to us right where we are, but sometimes he allows us to climb a mountain, rest in a valley and bring us to a cabin of refuge. I listened to tapes (before CDs) of good speakers, men and women of God, people who have experienced something like what you are going through now. Any retreat reminds us that God is good, caring and the source of all peace.
Wherever you are right now, do you see this valley as a place of refuge, where God will be your deliverer? Where is your favorite retreat?