"Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." -Romans 12:15
The day after I arrived in Southern California, I received some very sad news regarding our church family. An e-mail from one of our pastors was sent out to our church body informing everyone that a young woman in our church had suddenly passed away. She was a young teenager and in my mind more of a child than anything. The shock and pain are great. Her parents are dear people who are strong Christians. It is hard to imagine the pain that they are in but I am thankful for the hope that I know that they have. My mind goes to memories that I have of her and how her mom always beamed with pride when she spoke of her. I see her heading out for the Youth Conference with the rest of the young people from our church this past summer. There are so many that are feeling this loss so deeply.
The last few days have been great visiting with family but at the same time my heart has felt heavy as I remember my church family in their time of mourning. Dozens and dozens of times a day my mind remembers the family and their loss. I remember Paul's exhortation to pray without ceasing and it is an easy burden to carry at this time. Praying is all that I can do right now. It is hard to be away from my church family and not be able to physically be there to mourn with those who mourn. I rest in knowing that the Lord carries their burden and that He is surrounding them with people that care deeply. It has made me squeeze my little ones a little bit tighter the past few days and has encouraged me in patience when I get frustrated and weary. Our lives are a vapor. In the years to come, my children will grow up and have to face the hardships of the world. It struck me that right now they are so free from the many burdens this life presents to us. I need to cherish the present, love my children wholly and thank the Lord for each and every day that I have with them. I am not guaranteed a tomorrow with them.
These are hard things to think upon--loss, death and eternity. It makes me reflect on the hope that I have in Christ. It makes me realize that this young woman's death may be the catalyst for many young people in our church coming to know the Lord. It makes me thankful for a loving Heavenly Father that works good for those who love Him even when our finite human minds cannot fathom how that could be the case.
