The older I get, the more people I know who are suffering. In small ways as well as in big ways. I just got an email from a young woman I know who is experiencing some pretty serious health concerns given that she's also pregnant. And this weekend one of Tim's close friends fell from a roof and fractured his spine. He has a wife and three little girls, 4, 2 and 3 weeks. Life is hard. And it often involves lots of suffering. If not for you, then for someone dear to you. Life is so fragile. Yet, it's this fragile, precious life that Christ calls us to willingly lay down for the Kingdom. Sometimes that doesn't sounds very appealing to me. And at other times, there is nothing I would rather do for the Savior that laid His life down for me while I was yet a sinner. There's another side to suffering and that is that it has the ability to purify. That's why James can say count it pure joy when you face trials of many kinds, b/c we know that that testing of our faith develops perseverance and perseverance works in us to create character that we might be mature and complete not lacking in anything. I can tell you that there is nothing quite like experiencing this joy that James speaks of when you're in the midst of trial. No matter how dark life can seem, and it can sure seem dark at times, there is a way for us to rejoice in all things. Yay!
Update on Patrick: he had a 6 hour surgery yesturday that went amazingly well and we are hopeful and full of faith for a full recovery. Please keep he and Lynette and family in your prayers.
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Heidi (and Tim!) -- We got your message and have been praying for Patrick, Lynette and kiddos. Please keep up posted and let me know if there's anything else we can do (meals?, mow lawn?)
Kim and guys
There are few certainties in life outside of death & taxes. Despite that we know suffering is one of the them we always seem to forget the value or result of suffering. I often loose site of the bigger picture in a sea of pain. Interesting post!
Praying for Patrick and I hope you both are well. (Or unwell and becoming mature considering the content of today's post)
DT
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