Recently, a friend and I were discussing why we are so shocked by pain in this world...specifically as it relates to loss and death.
Sickness and dying are natural parts of living, just as dark is necessary for the existence of light and the pain of loss accompanies the joy of love. We know these things logically. Yet, when the inevitable comes we cannot help but feel offended. As much as our head knows the consequences of life, love, and friendship, when things are stark rather than rosy we feel as if we have been slapped in the face.
What do you mean he/she's gone? How is this possible? Isn't there something that can be done? Why is life so hard?
We are a comfortable people. No matter where you are tonight, you are almost certainly very comfortable compared to the majority of the world. A roof over your head, food in your stomach, electricity, clothing...but it goes further than that.
I have insurance in case I die, am hurt, my possessions are stolen or destroyed, someone sues my husband or if he becomes disabled. We have college savings plans, retirement plans and rainy day funds. We wear seat belts, bicycle helmets, take vaccinations and vitamins, wash our hands, set our home alarm. We call it wisdom...but it can also provide a false sense of security.
This world is not eternal and it is not our home. May we not fall into the Enemy's deceptive distractions that make us more concerned with rearranging furniture in our temporary homes than investing in things that will not pass away.
Sickness and dying are natural parts of living, just as dark is necessary for the existence of light and the pain of loss accompanies the joy of love. We know these things logically. Yet, when the inevitable comes we cannot help but feel offended. As much as our head knows the consequences of life, love, and friendship, when things are stark rather than rosy we feel as if we have been slapped in the face.
What do you mean he/she's gone? How is this possible? Isn't there something that can be done? Why is life so hard?
We are a comfortable people. No matter where you are tonight, you are almost certainly very comfortable compared to the majority of the world. A roof over your head, food in your stomach, electricity, clothing...but it goes further than that.
I have insurance in case I die, am hurt, my possessions are stolen or destroyed, someone sues my husband or if he becomes disabled. We have college savings plans, retirement plans and rainy day funds. We wear seat belts, bicycle helmets, take vaccinations and vitamins, wash our hands, set our home alarm. We call it wisdom...but it can also provide a false sense of security.
This world is not eternal and it is not our home. May we not fall into the Enemy's deceptive distractions that make us more concerned with rearranging furniture in our temporary homes than investing in things that will not pass away.
4 comments:
Let your heart be light seeing as our own Savior struggled with this very thing (before He knows He is to die)...Jesus prays to the Father saying "My Father, if there is any way to get me out of this. But please, not what I want. You, what do you want?". Matthew 26:39 The Message. Even Jesus was frustrated with His disciples because they too knew that this was His last night and they could not even stay awake to pray and be with Jesus who they loved and followed.
This is a fantastic post and a great Sunday reminder. I am so grateful for your blog.
Very wise words, from a very wise young woman. You have your perspective totally on target. We all get so busy raising our children and living our lives, concerned with the comfort of the "now" that we totally lose sight that we need to be building for eternity and not so overly concerned with the present. Your words blessed my heart.
AMEN
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