There's a family at church I really like, not for any particular reason, but I just like 'em. The daughter-in-law (in her twenties) went through Confirmation with me last year, and I've jokingly told her she's like family to me because of that, and sweetly she agrees. It's true.
Well, that group of folks has been through some stuff. She had a relationship before her marriage and has a 4 year old son. Her husband (who is simply wonderful) and she have a one year old daughter and a new baby. Busyness. I totally get that. Add to that, the husband's dad has recently been diagnosed with kidney cancer and is going through chemo. The blessing of the illness is that he's been going to church since he found out he was sick. God will get you anyway He can. Love that.
For months we've all been praying for the family, the dad in particular with the cancer. He doesn't look too good, has suffered a great deal in the last year, but is hanging on. He's fighting. You should see him holding that baby. Nothing sweeter. But it's so odd. He's been our focus, and of course his son and wife with all the children, but mostly the dad. Get this. The dad's younger brother died suddenly this past week of an aortic tear. All of a sudden, gone in an instant. Not even sick.
Isn't life the strangest thing?
We spend so much time trying to orchestrate our lives, manage them to the hilt, and still we deny God's in charge. I'm trying to turn backflips in wondering how to generate some income, and it's all in His timing. I look at the bills due, scratch my head, remember it's not my job, but still, stick my face in it.
Life can, and does change in an instant. It's a good idea to pay attention. And have you noticed---when you go through a struggle and stop long enough to listen to what the Lord is telling you, things begin to make sense. The reason for delays, etc., often don't seem as puzzling. The hard part is that His time isn't ours. That's always been a frustration for me. Likely always will be.
