Our old church lost a girl this week. A 16 year old girl. Suddenly, on her way home from the fair. 16 short years. My heart has been heavy for the family this week. Praying for her parents who are planning for a funeral, instead of planning which college she should go to. To her brother who is suddenly an only child for the first time in his life. Her classmates and friends who are suddenly finding things quieter. Her grandmother who normally brings her to dance and singing lessons. So many people who never got to say goodbye. So many dreams for the future that will never be here on this earth. My heart is grieved, and my mind mourned the unrealized dreams and potential.
And then I remembered that in some way, Gabby is already living her potential. She's living the dreams that all parents have for their children - that they believe in Jesus Christ, and one day they will spend eternity with their God. The first question of the Westminster Catechism is "What is the chief end of man? To glorify God and enjoy him forever." Gabby made profession of faith, and readily praised God in any way she could. So in some senses, she is continuing perfectly what she began here. And glorifying God forever, and she is perfectly and completely happy.
So while I pray for Gabby's family, and for my girls, I remember that we don't mourn as those who have no hope. And we don't plan as those who have no eternity. So as parents, we pray and we plan, and we wrestle and we rest.
God is still God, and God is still good. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
1 comment:
Beautiful post, its a good reminder to us all of what we live for and our goals for our children. We'll keep this family is in our prayers, as they mourn the loss of a daughter and sister.
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