EVENING DAILY BREAD SHARE OF THE DAY
June 13
It’s Empty Now
Bible in a Year:
Ezra 6–8
John 21
How deserted lies the city, once so full of people!
Lamentations 1:1
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
My brothers and our families spent the day moving our parents’ belongings from our childhood home. Late in the afternoon, we went back for one last pickup and, knowing this would be our final time in our family home, posed for a picture on the back porch. I was fighting tears when my mom turned to me and said, “It’s all empty now.” That pushed me over the edge. The house that holds fifty-four years of memories is empty now. I try not to think of it.
The ache in my heart resonates with Jeremiah’s first words of Lamentations: “How deserted lies the city, once so full of people!” (1:1). An important difference is that Jerusalem was empty “because of her many sins” (v. 5). God exiled His people to Babylon because they rebelled against Him and refused to repent (v. 18). My parents weren’t moving because of sin, at least not directly. But ever since Adam’s sin in the garden of Eden, each person’s health has declined over their lifetime. As we age, it’s not unusual for us to downsize into homes that are easier to maintain.
I’m thankful for the memories that made our modest home special. Pain is the price of love. I know the next goodbye won’t be to my parents’ home but to my parents themselves. And I cry. I cry out to Jesus to come, put an end to goodbyes, and restore all things. My hope is in Him.
By: Mike Wittmer
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee]
Sgt (Join to see) PV2 Larry Sellnow
SPC Gary C. SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada 1SG Patrick Burke
PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Kim Patterson SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth SFC Ralph E Kelley PV2 Scott M.
PO1 Lyndon Thomas CPL Patrick Ras