sobering day

Today was one of those days that stops you in your tracks and makes you really think. This morning we went to a funeral for Peter's cousin's husband. Saturday was Carl's 45th birthday. He was camping with his wife and 10-year-old son when he suddenly died from a pulmonary embolism. We didn't really know Carl. We seldom see Susan, Peter's cousin. But you don't have to be close to someone to feel overwhelmed by the pain of a situation like this. We hear tragic stories so often that we can become nearly immune to them if we choose to. Then there are those times when the tragedies hit close to home, and we're faced with the apparent injustice of it all. By all accounts, Carl was an amazing man who loved God, his family, his friends, and the teens he worked with at church. He had so much to live for. At times like this, I'm so thankful I have confidence in a wise God who can see the bigger picture that I can't see. I don't know how anyone processes situations like this without that assurance. Please take a moment to pray for Susan and their son, Daniel, at this painful time. Then go and live today to the fullest with those you love.