As I replaced the flowers at my grandson’s grave earlier this week I began to weep.   I thought about the life that was cut so short and the pain that lives on.  Memories flood my mind and thoughts of how he might have turned out overwhelm me.  Then I think about his family that was left behind to grieve.  His dad, mom, brother and sister and the pain they feel with each passing day.  I understand their pain because of my own pain…..my own suffering. 

But sometimes it’s easy to miss the pain of others when your pain is so overwhelming.  Sometimes when your pain is so deep you just don’t notice that you are not alone in your suffering.  The people around you are suffering too.  When you have a child, spouse, brother, sister, mom or dad that is addicted to drugs or alcohol, it doesn’t’ just affect the person addicted.  It affects the entire family.  When someone dies it affects the entire family.  When someone is sick it affects the entire family.  As much as we would like to believe that we can live our life as we please……we are wrong.  Every choice we make affects another person’s life, potentially for eternity.

Our lives are not our own, we were bought with a price.  The blood of Jesus Christ paid for our sin and allows us to have fellowship with the Father.  We should take advantage of that relationship each and every day with prayer and thanksgiving.  It is only when we come to the realization that in all circumstances, good and bad, God is in control.  He tells us constantly “do not be afraid”.    Even when tragic, horrible, scary, overwhelming circumstances arise He is there!  He comforts us and fills our mind, heart and spirit with His peace. 

I know it’s hard to be thankful when it seems like your life has come undone.  When it seems like all you have to live for is strife and hardship. But you have two choices: you can become bitter or you can become better.  And since God gave us free will the choice is completely up to us.

Scripture

The Lord is the One who will go before you.  He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.  Do not be afraid or discouraged.  Deuteronomy 31:8

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 118:1