Friday
There are no guarantees in this life.
It seems only when we’re faced with a dire situation that we actually face the sobering fact that the frailty of life is a stark and frightening proposition.
In all actuality, our personal schedule is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things, as we can be completely derailed at any moment in time.
In mass transit language, it’s a Code 3.
A close friend of mine just experienced a cataclysmic one.
At this time yesterday, the world was as it is everyday; overflowing with mundane sameness and learned ritual. Then everything changed.
It seems a predestined behavior that keeps our eyes focused on the tracks as we go about our daily lives.
If I could, I would stop the world so that my friend could rest and have more time to analyze the present situation, more time to prepare.
Sadly, even God can’t do that, but maybe He can.
When I write for true friends, I like to consider it my own indelible form of prayer; honest, true and straight from my heart.
I can only hope that in some small way the insignificant ripples my hands make from the shores of this inimical body of water bring about an unexpected wave of solace, somehow visible and yet sacred.
I understand all too well the phrase, “It’s a heavy cross to bear”.
I also understand that ultimately, you have but to lift that cross as would any good soldier and somehow try to carry on.
If I could magically bestow on my friend anything at all it would simply be the inner strength to do just that today because tomorrow is already on the way…
May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
~m
(Journal Soundscape:Michael Brecker – Tales from the Hudson
Michael, made me cry you mongrel..dont know who this was written for, but I don't care, I'm taking it to heart…you truly are a beautiful person.
Thanks, Kelly.
This was a toughie to post and I thank you so much for commenting.
~Michael
" 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
"But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold."
Job 23:10
God is sovereign. I believe it. Even though my finite mind sometimes can't comprehend it, I believe His word for it. It has to be true. Otherwise He can't be God. I as a human have to resort to a "plan B" when 'plan A" fails. But not God. If He has to resort to a "plan B", then He is not God.
Why then does He permit us to go through so many situations in life? Because His plan for you is unique. Maybe we don't see the big scheme of His plan in our lives at this present moment. But believe me…He has a plan for me and you. And He will acomplish it. According to His Sovereignty. Thought His precious grace.
My prayer to your friend:
"Dear Lord: You know the pain and the circumstances that this man is going through. You know how it feels. You too suffered great pain for our sins. Please comfort Him at this time. That he may understand that you have a plan for his life, and even if he can't see the big picture at this time, let him know that you are with him in this time of need."
Thank you Lord.
Eliud-
You are a true friend.
I understand exactly where your comment is coming from and it's wonderful.
Thanks, dude.
~Michael
Oh, this sounds like a tough one. Sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and hang on tight. And whisper Eliud's prayer over and over. I don't know what your friend's beliefs are, but for me, thinking about Niebuhr's Serenity Prayer helps.
DebP-
I thank you for the prayer.
It never ceases to amaze me the people that visit my blog.
I am truly blessed.
~Michael