How Quickly Everything Changes

I walked into work this morning and found out we’re preparing for a funeral tomorrow. I work in a church, so this isn’t unusual, but what stunned me was whose funeral it is. He was not elderly and he had not been fighting a long battle with disease. And although I didn’t know him personally, there is a feeling of loss I can’t quite explain—maybe it’s shock.

Because I’m reminded of how quickly everything can change. With or without notice, life turns an unexpected corner.

Around that corner lies grief and sorrow—like a punch in the stomach—that leaves us gasping for air.

But we are not alone. What shocks us does not shock God. He knows. He stays. And while we may feel like we’re surrounded by darkness, there is always the Light.

The Light, who shines in the darkest hour, on the most difficult path…even when we struggle to see. It shines.

Life changes suddenly and we find ourselves unprepared. Maybe it’s financially or emotionally. But for some, it’s spiritually.

It’s not that they struggle to see the Light, it’s that they don’t know the Light is there. And they don’t know He came for them.

I get antsy and frustrated trying to understand God’s timing. Why does God’s will seem to take so long?

Because He wants everyone to know His Son. And in His grace, He gives us time to proclaim His name and time for His children to know Him.

Remember that while our Lord is waiting patiently to return, people are being saved. 2 Peter 3:15a NIRV

He doesn’t want anyone to be unprepared when life changes without warning.

It’s too easy to stay focused on the wrong thing—what I want, done my way, and miss all that God wants to show me.

I think that’s what He has been telling me this year. To notice where He’s put me, to pay attention to those who around me, and to focus on the work He’s given me.

So often I don’t understand, but I trust Him. And when I trust Him, I’m able to let go of the angst of wanting to understand.

But still, I need to be reminded of how quickly everything can change—for the good and for the bad. And to know God is there through both. Always.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Coffee for Your Heart, #TellHisStory, WholeHearted Wednesdays, Give Me Grace, Winsome Wednesday, Unforced Rhythms

When One More Thing Might Push You Over the Edge

I haven't been online much lately. Last month I found myself worn out, weary, and very tired. I kept trying to push forward, but that only added to the exhaustion. So, I did something I don’t usually do…I took a step back, I asked for help, and I let some things go. 

As we’re in one of the busiest times of the year—between Thanksgiving and Christmas—I wonder if you might be in the same place…tired, weary, worn out, and still trying to push forward. If you are, I understand.

It often feels as though the load rests solely on our shoulders, and in truth, sometimes it does. We look around at everything going on and it all has to be done, right? We keep adding one more thing, until that one more thing becomes the One. More. Thing. that just might push us over the edge.

Please join me at 5 Minutes for Faith where I'm talking about those One. More. Things. And the rest Jesus invites us to. 

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Faith Filled Friday, The Weekend Brew