Today I don't feel the normal inclination to recount the daily goings-on of the Grant household because two very sad changes in the Oklahoma State University community have occurred: 1. (and certainly least important) Our formerly undefeated football team has lost to Iowa State and will not go to the National Championship, and 2. The women's basketball coach and assistant coach were killed in a plane crash.
As fans of OSU athletics, Matthew and I are disappointed that our Cowboys will not reach the top spot that we thought they would. Poor hubby stayed up until 5:00am to watch our boys lose in double overtime. But, this "big game" that seemed so important a week ago has been put in its place by the shadow of a more enormous loss - the loss of lives. I did not personally know Coaches Kurt Budke and Miranda Serna, but that doesn't mean that I am not affected by their sudden departure from this earth. I am proud to see the loyal OSU family offering their love and prayers, but it's unfortunate how it often takes tragedy to snap our priorities back into the proper order. Coach Budke could have easily been my dad or my uncle, and my soul aches when I let my mind wander through the realm of "what-if."
The thing I am most afraid of is losing the people I love. Thank God, I can rest assured that even if my parents or my sister or my husband was suddenly taken from me, I know I would one day be reunited with them in heaven. But, I have a feeling that eternal comfort would not keep me from absolutely unraveling. This life is so brief. So fragile and fleeting. Sometimes it is impossible to understand how circumstances that are so unjust and undeserved could ever be a part of a plan orchestrated by a loving God. In times of doubt, fear, worry, mourning, and uncertainty, I can only cling to the hope that I profess. When I don't understand why, I remind myself of Who. You can call it naivete, but this much I know - His lovingkindness never fails, and His mercies are new each morning. His promises are true, and His faithfulness is everlasting. We live in a decaying world, and our earthly lives are but a vapor. Their temporariness does not make them purposeless; in fact, it increases the urgency with which we must live as we have been called.
My heart weeps for the families of those who have been snatched away so quickly and for all the suffering that undeniably happens on a daily basis. Why am I unfairly spared at this moment? I may never know. I can only give thanks to Jesus for His grace, offer my prayers for those who are hurting, and tell my loved ones how much they mean to me.
You summed it all up. Thanks for putting words to what so many of us feel.
ReplyDeleteLove you as always!
Mom