Today is a day. A sad one. Although I am so impressed with the joyful moments of laughter and friendly teasing amidst my kiwi family- what a ministry to my hurting heart. There just seems to be a lot in pain in the lives of the people I love. To be honest, to start to mention one leads into another and I am not keen on making lists of hard or painful things. It doesn't actually help.
Most of my posts I usually write when I am buzzing from whatever activity I am a part of... but today I write in the midst of my sadness, both for my family, my church family, and friends.
I am coming to grips with the fact that in life, there will always be tragedy, loss and pain. It is kinda a rule of thumb and no one is an exception, no matter what faith we are. We are affected by the brokenness of this beautiful and sometimes tragic earth. And I think every now and then its perfectly appropriate to have a solid cry and prayer out to God amidst our pain. He is near. There are so many Psalms that are written from people with broken hearts, crying out for God's comfort and healing.
Can you cry out on my behalf? And on behalf of my friends? One in particular. Steve is one of the guys I do Champions with. To put it shortly, he is the man. I love and respect Steve so much and our team of Champions has grown quite close this past year. This past Saturday Steve's lovely wife, Tracy lost her battle with cancer and has gone home to be with God. Its interesting as a Christian how death is such a dichotomy. Literally Tracy is with God, knowing Him fully and truly for who he is, I have no idea what this physically looks like, but part of me gets excited that she is no longer in pain and is in the presence of God. The tragedy truly lies with all the people left behind. They are the ones who suffer. Steve and his twin children (3 years old). Oh Lord, bring your comfort, peace and ability to sit with our grief and move through it gracefully. God I know these things are messy, so guide us on how we are to love him well through this process. God, help us not to rush him or delay his journey but merely be sojourners on the same trail, supporting him as he goes. God bring your healing to his broken heart. Help him to create a new normal with life without Tracy. Give him good sleep and quality time of encouragement from family and friends. Help him to grieve well and celebrate Tracy's live well. Thank you Lord, that you have taken Tracy out of her pain. I hope you two are having a party right now in heaven and its really hopping. I think you are awesome God. Please bring my mind to rest tonight as I go to sleep. Please bring encouragement to my heart and fade the sadness away with time. I love you. Amen.
