HIS WILL, not mine.

Feb 1st 2022,

I woke up to a mail from an event management company reminding me about an event on the 7th of February that I was planning for two years. My Parents 25th wedding Anniversary. I just sat there holding my phone with tears rolling down my eyes, just realizing how different things were last year.

I wanted it to be a celebration of their togetherness and the Ministry they started together 24 years ago.

It was a plan in action since 2019, with me saving money because I wanted the whole budget to be from my pocket. I built up a strategy of saving my salary and working out things simultaneously. I always pulled Mumma to be my partner, we often giggled and discussed this day. The decor, the guest list, the food, the venue, the song that we wanted to sing together as a family. We were just like two best friends making plans.

But Dad always shushed me away and corrected me that we should never brag about the future.

Every time this happened, I would get upset and run to Maa, complaining about dad. She then told me, that dad was only concerned about her health and nothing else. But I wanted to plan ahead, I always liked it that way. I really wanted to make it special and memorable for my parents, so I went ahead started planning it all. I shortlisted 5 venues and booked the date with them. Then the lockdown happened, things slowed down, days went by but I was quietly saving up everything for the big day. 2021 came along, we celebrated the 24th Wedding Anniversary together. My parents and I spent the day together, cooking, eating and talking. Family time was the best part of the day. In the evening we went out for a family dinner with our extended family. Not even in my wildest dreams did I ever think that this was the last. And then 3 months from there, everything thing changed. The Lord took over. Mumma went to be with the Lord. My dad's words rang like bells in my mind. The Lord taught me that it is always HIS will and not mine. The Lord taught me a lesson that, we literally have no power or authority over anything in the most heartbreaking manner. With all that happened, I know that His Goodness, Love and Mercy still continue.

My parents got married but never bothered to collect their wedding video, I spent half my childhood crying over the fact that my parents didn't have a wedding video. They concentrated more on building a healthy relationship and family. They were couple-goals at every level, be it managing the church and ministry or taking care of me. The respect, love and adoration they had for each other was exceptional. They always worked together as a team.

When one walked out for Ministry, the other walked in to take care of me,

When one brushed my hair, the other tied my shoes,

When one packed my lunch box, the other fed me,

When one was busy the other, would be chilling with me,

When one yelled at me, the other hugged me,

When one was preaching, the other was sitting with me,full-time

When one taught me Math, the other taught me Science.

When I needed time, both of them were there.

When I needed their presence, they were there.

Never did they miss out on anything about me and yet managed to be full time God servants.

Never did they make a decision without consulting each other.

Never did they raise a voice against each other.

Never did they take a day off from the ministry.

That's My Mumma and Dadda.

When Mumma fell sick back in 2017, I saw Dadda taking care of her like a baby. Mumma lost her father when she was in her late 20's and she always said that she saw a glimpse of grandpa in Dadda. They were the best versions of themselves for each other. From Mumma's diet to medicines Dadda took care of everything. He pampered her and brought everything for her, from the small cool drink bottles to two cars on her name. Mumma was Dadda's queen. They completed each other. Even though Mumma left us and joined the heavenly call, I am very thankful for the wonderful years my parents had together.

Steeping into this day without her makes me numb and cold. But as the bible says in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Today, I want to thank the Lord for bringing my parents together and using them for his ministry and to glorify his name. Even with Mumma not being here for their 25th Anniversary. Here's celebrating their togetherness with 25 milestones that the Lord has given them as a couple.

1. February 7th 1997 - United in the holy matrimony

2. Began youth Ministry/ Sunday School

3. July 5th 1998 - Started small get-togethers

4. September 29th 1998 - Became parents

5. January 1st 1999 - Started the church Divine Light Christian Assembly

6. Travelled to the USA for ministry

7. Hosted Youth Meetings at different places.

8. Started the Telangana Ministry

9. The Jail Ministry.

10. Blind Community Ministry

11. Started Out reach Preaching in the year 2001 and covered the entire state of Telangana and a few places in AP.

12. Started the TV Ministry

13. Started the Telangana Ministry

14. Hosted All Andhra Pradesh workers Conference

15. Hosted Telanagana Meetings every year.

16. Travelled to North India for Ministry

17. Leprosy Community Ministry

18. Travelled to Singapore for Ministry

19. Mumma feel sick

20. Battling sickness together.

21. Youtube Ministry

22. Lockdown Ministry

23. Affected with Covid and hospitalized together

24. Mumma went to with the Lord

25. Continuing without Mumma

As happy as the first 23 milestones sound, the last two just squeeze my heart. Seeing my Dad take on the journey and ministry without Mumma by his side, is painful. But the Lord has been amazing.

Dad and I have weird times, we cry together and then start smiling.

Yes! we are walking in the valley of deep darkness and pain, but having our saviour by our side has kept us going.

This journey does not end here, cause Mumma is forever in our hearts and we are yet to join her in heaven.

Knowing Mumma, right now she must be celebrating with the Lord, just sitting by HIS bosom and ministering to him.

Happy Wedding Anniversary Mumma and Daddy,

Though separated physically, Always united in CHRIST and in LOVE.

With Love,

Yours