It's almost the end of August and I haven't posted a single time. Where has time gone. I can't say we've done anything very exciting this month...work, church, family...that's about it. Steven has been on the OB/Gyn rotation, which means he's been staying bringing babies into the world...pretty crazy to me. I'm hoping some of that will rub off on us. I have a new student intern working with me and with that comes that challenge of balancing my regular caseload and teaching...I'm definitely still learning about being a good teacher.
I've had a couple of difficult experiences over the course of August; one dealing with a friend and one with a work acquaintance (but they're truly my friends). One of my friends from college lost her husband in a tragic motorcycle accident on August 9th. Whenever I hear of people experiencing sudden loss like this, my heart is deeply saddened. Having experienced the sudden loss of my sister, I know how your world can change instantly in a way you never imagined. Reading my friends blog and facebook posts brings back so many memories of the the aching heart and constant sorrow...it also reminds me of how comforting it is to have Christ to cling to during those times. For anyone out there, if you have the chance, please pray for my friend Erica as she figures out what life looks like with out her dear husband.
My work friend lost her husband suddenly on Friday after a brief illness (Wed-Friday). This woman just lost her daughter less than 1 year ago and now she's grieving her husband. The grief this woman is experiencing is unimaginable to me. I'm so thankful that my coworkers allowed me to spend the day with her on Friday to provide support. What a blessing to serve someone during such a dark time.
I do not share these stories to depress you...although, I can imagine that they are. These are just reminders to me of the brevity of life. These experiences have made me hold Steven tighter and praise God that I have him for another night...when I know I'm not guaranteed anything.
Meanwhile, I'll leave you with two verses that brought me the greatest comfort in my personal grief.
Psalm 139: 15-16 "My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
What reassurance to know that God knows all the days ordained for me; no one but God will take me from this earth and it won't be an accident, but God's plan for me.
What reassurance to know that God's peace transcends all understanding...even in circumstances like I've seen recently when there seems to be know understanding to be found.
