"have fun in penang!"
"how was your penang trip? did you enjoy yourself?"
we got that alot befere and after the trip.. and sometimes, i'm stumped how to answer. it's easy to view an overseas trip as a holiday, but this particular trip bore more weight than that. seeing grandma,who had not seen dad since he fell ill. seeing the family he grew up with. going to places we always went to, together. memories are vivid. we could remember where and when we took which photo.. and painfully, how some photos bore resemblance to past photos that were taken - only different.
the heart is heavy after returning.. with a lot of memories coming back and a lot of longing for the precious times that we have shared.
this was the particular hymn that He brought to my remembrance, to comfort my heart:
- Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?- Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
- Refrain:
- Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near? - Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long? - Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
in the past, when i sing this song and ponder on the last verse, the heaviness of the message and considering its reality is enough to make my heart ache. now, it is a balm. Yes, He cares.
that said, there were sweet moments too. time with family - always treasured :)