King David said it best… “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? (Psalms 8:3-4)
When we were finally able to downloaded our email, we were shocked and saddened to learn that one of our church family members had passed away. This is the second since we began our journey. We also learned that one of Rox’s walking buddies also died. Yet, we received a photo of one of our nieces, over eight months pregnant with our new grandnephew.
So we contemplate the stars tonight and wonder about the pain and sadness in the world. We also anticipate the coming joys and marvel at the adventures that we have had over the past several months.
Has there ever been a human who has not wondered why life’s experiences happen the way they do? Even Christ asked “why” on the Cross. Life has such ebbs and flows. Why are there so many injustices? Why are some stricken down in the prime of life? Why do some of us lose babies before we have the chance to even hold them? Why do some of us lose them much too young?
We have a dear friend who lost a twelve-year-old daughter to liver disease. Milton told me that with such a loss you either run to God or run from Him. Milton chose to run to God. He now pastors a church in an underprivileged community in Conroe, Texas, offering Christ’s love to drug addicts, prostitutes, and the downtroden.
So why do bad things happen to good people? I can’t answer that question. Even Christ said that in this world we would have tribulation.
I have another dear friend who reminds me in my hours of doubt that “God’s in charge.” It seems too simple a comment… too innocent… but she’s right. The highs and lows in our lives are written in the stars. I believe that when we get to Heaven, Christ will show us the tapestry of our lives and the choices that we had and made. In my own need did I find generosity. In betrayal did I find forgiveness. In loss did I find greater love.
Over the years, I have come to realize that every lesson is about love. That’s the reason that Christianity makes so much sense to me. It is built on the premise of love. The Bible tells us that “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Christ told us that there are two commandments, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Luke 10:27)
In our hearts, we know it is true. Isn’t it love that brings inspiration? The mother who lost a child to a drunk driver begins an organization to promote awareness. The father whose child is abducted by a pedophile sponsors a law to protect children. A wife forgives her husband’s murderer. Parents help other parents whose children have the same disease. A son rides hundreds of miles to bring awareness to breast cancer after his mother's death. A simple man who lost a daughter now helps lost souls. Thank you… each of you… for your courage to love.
I feel so small and insignificant against the stars and their Maker. So tonight we lift up the families of Dennis and Norma and Greta in prayer. We also pray for Alison and the safe and joyful delivery of her new baby, our grandnephew. And we bask in starlight and love and ask ‘what are we that You are mindful of us?’
Whatever the reason, thank you, Lord.
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