So the past two weeks have brought news of two deaths to our family. One unexpected. One expected. One a life well lived, but too short by human standards at just 14 months long. One a life well lived for 82 years. Both bringing to our attention the preciousness and brevity of life.
Over these past two weeks, we've had many opportunities to talk about things with our kids that we might not otherwise:
Why do bad things happen to good families?
Why would God let this occur?
Why do bodies age and people get sick?
How can good come from sadness?
How can life be happy again when we loose someone we love?
One question we haven't had to answer is where these two souls are now. Praise the Lord, our friends' sweet 14 month old boy is in the loving arms of Jesus now, running, laughing, playing and basking in the love of his heavenly father. Praise the Lord Nick's grandmother (whom we call Da) is "home" now as she has so often longed to be.
One of the most touching statements made by our friend at his little son's memorial service was that he had no regrets. He has made his family a priority and cherished every moment with his son. So often we get caught up in the day to day rush that we forget to stop and cherish. How precious each day is. Not one is a guarantee.
It has really challenged me to be present each day and see the good in those around me. I want those God has given me to love to know they are treasured. Even more important than my love though is for them to know the love of Jesus in their lives. That they would love him, seek him, and follow him with all their hearts, minds, souls and strength.
There is nothing more important.
The hope we have in Jesus has allowed us to celebrate these two lives knowing there is no better place to be than in the presence of the Lord.
Over these past two weeks, we've had many opportunities to talk about things with our kids that we might not otherwise:
Why do bad things happen to good families?
Why would God let this occur?
Why do bodies age and people get sick?
How can good come from sadness?
How can life be happy again when we loose someone we love?
One question we haven't had to answer is where these two souls are now. Praise the Lord, our friends' sweet 14 month old boy is in the loving arms of Jesus now, running, laughing, playing and basking in the love of his heavenly father. Praise the Lord Nick's grandmother (whom we call Da) is "home" now as she has so often longed to be.
Eli meeting Da for the first time in December |
So thankfu for this visit. |
It has really challenged me to be present each day and see the good in those around me. I want those God has given me to love to know they are treasured. Even more important than my love though is for them to know the love of Jesus in their lives. That they would love him, seek him, and follow him with all their hearts, minds, souls and strength.
There is nothing more important.
The hope we have in Jesus has allowed us to celebrate these two lives knowing there is no better place to be than in the presence of the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:55:57
“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.