March 1. It’s a special day for me. It’s a day of memorable events. Today is the second anniversary of my mother-in-law’s home going. It was a moment that will be forever etched in my memory. Four generations of our family surrounded her bed, singing hymns, as she left us to meet God face to face. We held hands and prayed, and for the first time ever, I saw my father-in-law’s chin quiver.
The prayer that day was offered by my middle son, whose birthday happens to be March 1. Twenty-nine years ago today, right about now, I was giving birth to him. At 10 a.m. as a classic Lassie rerun was beginning on the room TV, the Pitocin kicked in like a Mack truck. For the next 41 minutes, my body did all it could to evict its 7 lb. 11oz. occupant. He almost didn’t wait for the doctor, but that’s OK. His father is a nurse and was ready to catch him just as the doctor ran into the room and took over. We were thrilled to add another boy to our family.
And now, today, March 1, I am celebrating another memorable event. My first book is officially being launched, released on Amazon, downloading to Kindles and arriving in mailboxes. Prayers are being offered that it would be a blessing to those who read it. When I started the writing process a few years ago, I didn’t know where it would lead, if I would finish writing the story, or if it would become a book. It has been an exciting journey so far, and I am looking forward to what else God has in store.
In the book, I mention a story of a woman I met when speaking at a women’s retreat. The theme was “Standing Stones,” marking the times God has done something significant in our walk with him. In Israel, during the time of Joshua, the people set up memorial stones as physical reminders of the things God had done for them. Joshua 4:6-7 says (in part), “When your children ask in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ then you shall tell them…So these stones shall be to the people of Israel a memorial forever.”
I don’t have memorial stones (although there are a few large rocks in Maine that hold special memories). Instead, I have places, people, events, and dates – March 1 being a biggie. I am thankful to God for all he has done: for a very special woman, for my sweet baby Timmy, and for this new adventure. When my children (and anyone else who asks) want to know why March 1 is so significant to me, they may need to take a seat, there is a lot to talk about.
Lisa J Radcliff ~ Finding Freedom from the Past 