We
would do well to recognize that it’s coming, life, bringing with it the
good, bad, and all that is in between. Tragedy and failure arrive on the
coattails of our own botches, from our proximity with others’, and from the
seemingly random acts beyond our comprehension.
We
would do well to prepare ourselves, body mind soul, for the imperfections
of our life and the lives around us.
We
would do well to wrestle with God over these issues and the questions
that arise when we face them. Or in reality, the one question: why? He
can handle it, the wrestling. We are not His first opponent. As our Creator, He
is familiar with our struggles, knows where we came from, where we are, and
where we will be.
When we walk through this life, ignoring our impending
losses, suppressing previous pain and disappointment, lulled to sleep by the
pretense of the good life, we are propagating shallow roots, like velvety-soft
moss, easily lifted by outside forces.
Why, Lord, WHY!?!
Dare God to prove His mettle in the days of darkness. Plead for His
understanding, coming to grips with our past experiences of loss while
preparing for life upcoming.
Our God, the God of good tidings and blessings, is too
small. Search and find (be found by) the God of all time, place, and
elements of life, the One who understands failure, tragedy, and death, who can
bring peace to us amidst the full measure of life, who can deepen our roots.
We
would do well to prepare ourselves in the days of plenty for the meagre
moments, the times of tragedy, seeking answers to difficult questions before we
desperately need them.