We Can't...

We can't know...we cannot know the reason for a loved one going home too soon, too early, too young...we do not know what awaited them, or us by extension. This morning over my hot cup of coffee, a bible verse mantra I read every morning (Isaiah 59:21...60:1-6) and a deep breath releasing the dreams and thoughts of the night, I thought of death...of grief...of sorrow...of missing a father, a friend, a son, a brother...inevitably my heart cries out to God and asks why...why so early, so young? I heard or saw in my minds eye, that God spares the faithful, spares the children who would mourn in deeper grief.

More...that we cannot know the reasons why, but we trust that there is one who knows all, who has our hearts in mind and in His hand.

Interestingly enough this was not what I had in mind for writing this morning.

So many have losses and this past year has been full; full of grief and searching for meaning, for a place to put the sorrow and frustration, the unresolved issues.

For each one I speak to, this is the new theme...or perhaps a better way to explain it when I am still figuring it out myself, never let it be said I need a neon billboard sign flashing the revelatory message, is as I share bits, pieces of my heart others feel safe to do the same.

This past week alone I have heard this twice from two separate gentlemen, a shift in their stance, their body posture and...'well...because you shared I will share too.'

And the floodgates open...a dive beneath the surface, beneath the small talk and laughter, a look into the heart and soul of another human being...what an honour. And so I listen and my heart rejoices, and so I sit, stand, walk with compassion, with kindness, with gladness and no judgement....

I look now for connection...and take the time to decide if it is genuine, true and right...I take the time to listen to my heart for their God has taken up residence...He has deigned to live in the broken land that houses that organ...He pays no mind to the tears, the mending in motion, the brambles and prickles guarding entrance to certain spaces and places I am not ready to release....instead 'do not enter' sign posts mark and define.

He does not push...it is a gentle love that heals, that repairs, that brings hope and peace in a land fraught with battle, with blood and sweat and screams...here the Father stands in protection until we are ready to pull the sign down, swing wide the doors and walk with confidence into yet another little shop of horrors.

I think of the grace of God on our lives...I think of my children and I hope and pray for their hearts and minds...for the miracle of grace and mercy, for love that saves and soothes as it heals. All things are possible...all things...restoration of relationships, comfort in times of trouble, a steady ship on stormy seas...all things.

I have so much to be thankful for...so much to be grateful for....joy in the morning in the midst of sorrow...a laugh shared, a smile given, a word spoken...kindnesses abound dear hearts, love exists every direction I look....

Hate is not hard to find my friends, so instead I look for love, I strive for connection if only for a moment in time. We know not what that rock thrown into the pond of loneliness does, how far the ripples spread....the smile we give to an elderly woman, the brief chat with an older gentlemen, the encouragement and truth given to a coworker....we do not know who we may save from the thoughts of death, of the lies that tell them peace is to be found with taking their life.

Love saves...it is the only thing that does....all characteristics flow from that tap; mercy, grace, kindness and compassion.

Romans 12:10: 'Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.'

So many souls my friends...so many broken and bleeding souls walking the street, shopping for groceries, standing in line at timmies, Starbucks, Mcd's, smiling despite the silent scream echoing in their heads. Be kind, it costs us nothing, truly. In fact, it is a two-edged sword, it cuts both ways in the best of ways...when we console, we are consoled...when we encourage, we are encouraged.

Walk tall dear treasures, stand with pride and confidence in your skin, in the battles you have fought and come out the other side. Speak your truth, with kindness, with understanding...we all fail, we all fall.

May God bless your path today and each day forward, with courage...with love.