Mortality, sickness, fragility, cancer, sick babies, lost pregnancies, unthinkable accidents, the delicate state of balance between death and life...
We are but a vapor, like the grass that withers, a mist, a moment, dust...
This theme has been repeating itself in different facets of my mind over the past 6 + weeks. Perhaps jump started when my friend's husband passed away, perhaps by my own turning thirty [gasp - how ridiculous], or the many many heart-breaking stories of late. My awareness has been heightened and it would appear that everywhere I look I see and hear of seemingly tragic events (all of which are completely within the all-knowing, all-loving Hands of God, of course).
My baby was born to us, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, perfect, beautiful, healthy, thriving, eating, breathing, hearing, seeing, cooing, living. Praise the Lord! And I mean that from the bottom of my heart. Many many parents are not so fortunate. So, I thank God for my life.
Sadly, I've read about other Mothers and Fathers mourning the loss of their beloved children, taken to Heaven so soon. I've heard of a wife leaving her precious family to purse the World for all its emptiness. I've known of husbands and wives taken from each other and their children unexpectedly. I've cried for those with babies lost before they could ever hold them. I've marveled at the testimony of a husband who watched his beautiful young wife slip away from him and their young son with what started as a sinus problem. Or the young parents of 4 who were injured so terribly in a plane crash. Or the woman today who reminded me she still misses her grandson who died in a devastating car accident 14 years ago (he was my friend). These things seem so senseless. So, I thank God for my life... that it is not my lot at this time to endure such things.
I've seen how hardened people can become -- how little we consider the magnitude of the blessings we've received. I simply don't want to take my child, my health, my husband, our family, our home, or anything for granted. So, I thank God for my life.
My boy is happy and healthy, my husband is kind and faithful, my home (although drafty) is sturdy and warm. We have food in the cabinet, cars to drive, clothes to wear, a soft bed, jobs to provide income (which, in this economy, is no small thing) , a church to attend, family to support us, toys to entertain us, running water, electricity... I could go on... but you get the idea.
And so, I thank God for my life.
5 comments:
Thank you for this. I have been sick all week, and am still and now the kids have it. I haven't been getting rest due to them needing me. I have felt rather annoyed all day by their neediness, and I have been selfish. Thank you for this post so very much. It helped me put a long week into perspective, colds little mishaps, and what-nots come and go, but in the end God is unwavering, and we all need to thank Him for our lives! God bless you, and your family Sarah!
"I've marveled at the testimony of a husband who watched his beautiful young wife slip away from him and their young son with what started as a sinus problem."
Did you find this family through me or somehow else? I believe this is my friend you are speaking of.
When my mom and dad split up and Hosanna was first born, I went through a season totally freaked out by the fact that life was basically useless, so many horrible things.
the Lord had to take me through a time teaching me that this life is such a precious gift.
I don't think there's a day that goes by that I don't kiss my girls good night, and thank God for another day that is so preciously given to us.
wow.
It continues to amaze me how far the prayer warriors extend for this family - I went to college with Tyson. I never got to meet his wife Leslie or TJ their son, but like many others feel as though I know them through their testimonial website. You should visit Tyson's new blog: http://www.tysonaschliman.blogspot.com/ he keeps about him and TJ, he is still such a witness.
Sent your post to Tyson. Telling him of still the outreach that his family has had on the world. His reply was this, "Thanks for this. I needed the encouragement tonight. Tell Sarah "thank you" from me... that I'm humbled and honored that God would use us to encourage her and help her turn her own "happiness" and the health of her family back to God in praise. It is indeed the fulfillment of Leslie's ministry. And that means so much to me... so much I can't possibly express it with words."
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