Truth: As we build our lives, sometimes essential pieces go missing.
I was putting together a challenging puzzle. It had three sizes, extra large, large, and really small. The bigger ones were easy but the smallest pieces required too much concentration.
As I was putting in the pieces I thought of a funeral I'm attending tomorrow. A twenty-five year old father and his 3 month old daughter were killed in a head-on collision. His wife was traveling in another car in front of them and avoided the oncoming car but was injured as her car rolled. This young father was a student of mine for four years, attending a religion class I was teaching every school day. He was quiet with a sweet smile.
For his wife, there will always be pieces missing in her life. We might ask, "How could God let this happen?" That is the wrong question, I'm sure. But, truly, I don't know what a better question could be? Maybe, it would be simply, "How can God help us survive?"
I have been writing with the Five Minute Friday Group for more than two years and I really enjoy the talented writers who share themselves each week.
Oh my goodness, I am so sad to hear about this!
ReplyDeleteI think the question you posed at the end is so life-giving and comforting in such a tragic time: "How can God help us survive?"
Thank you for sharing this honest and enriching truth.
Kaitlin Garrison
That is so tragic! I agree, it's difficult to understand why God lets these things happen, but the question you suggest is a much more helpful one to reflect on, and, however he does it, he can help us survive. Praying for you and for all the family and friends of this father and daughter.
ReplyDeleteThe puzzle is the perfect illustration for missing pieces, yet it seems to simplify tragedy. Yes, what sorrow and sadness and questions....May faith grow in these tender moments of grief. Praying God's comfort for all.
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry for the loss and grieving of this family and those, like you, who care for them. My repeated prayer for those who mourn often feels overwhelming.
ReplyDeleteI wish we could sit and discuss these thoughts in person. But here is something I learned this past week as I mourned with three friends who lost children. There are so many questions to which I don't know the answer, but this I know: The thoughts and prayers of those who mourn with those who mourn are answered in a very real and palpable way. And where God sends his Comforter, the Comforter brings not just comfort, but also strength and peace. This happens in a way that is tangible not just to those being strengthened and blessed with peace and comfort, but also to those who are with them. It's really one of the most profound miracles I have ever witnessed.
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