You know, sometimes life just happens, and I have to force myself to remember that God has a plan.
This past Sunday, there was a big accident on Highway 55 by Smiths Ferry (the route we take to go to McCall), and it ended in a tragic fatality—a young woman's van hit a cattle transport semi as she was coming around a corner and she was killed instantly. I was surprised to hear about the accident... I mean, we travel that road all the time... it could happen to anyone. But I was even more surprised to hear who the woman was who was killed... I knew her. She attended our church, and she and I went through last September's Encounter together. I always said hello when I would see her... she was such a sweetheart. She was also a wife and mother to some adorable daughters, including two one-year-old twins. This woman attended our church Sunday. And then Sunday evening, it was her time to go meet God.
The news reports had published her full name, so I hadn't put two and two together until someone mentioned her nickname, and then it hit me. This woman—this sweet, friendly, Godly woman—she is gone.
So many people look at things like this and ask why. "Why, God?"... I'm asking how. "How are You going to use this for us? How can we give back and help lift up that family? How can we show others Your purpose?"
And then I remember, God has a plan. He gathered this amazing woman up in His arms and He delivered her to eternal safety this weekend. It was her time.
If anything, this is a huge reminder to me—don't take life for granted. Don't leave without giving your husband and/or kids a hug and telling them you love them. Don't go to bed angry. Don't miss one chance to tell others you love them... because you just never know. We may think that we are in control, but when you remember that we don't run on "our time," but instead His time, there is a comfort knowing that there is a plan just for us.
You know, yesterday I thought a couple things in my life were a big deal. Big things going on that I thought were big things to get stressed over. Then I heard about all of this and it just opened my eyes to be thankful for everything that I have. Because you just never know what's around that next corner. Please keep that family in your prayers.
29 comments:
Great post, Aunie! Really needed a reminder like this today so thank you! Many prayers for her family and friends!
Gosh, my post today was similar. You never know what life is going to throw at you (and I used the example of dying in a car accident) and life's short and you gotta live in the moment. Live for the people who are there now.
Thank you for the strong reminder. It's so easy to get caught up in just stuff and not realize what a blessing each day is. I pray that her family & friends would find comfort in the arms of Jesus and that His plan would continue to be worked out daily in them.
I lost my 19 yr old cousin from her boyfriend drinking and driving and it took me the LONGEST time to stop asking "Why? Why her?" She was the sweet, most caring, funniest person I had ever met and her life ended so suddenly and at such a young age. I was mad at God I was furious with her boyfriend and I was crushed. It took a very long time to realize that she was here for a purpose and her purpose had been fulfilled or will be by having such a tragic loss. Her death has saved others, I know it. It's hard to lose someone but it makes it better knowing that they served a purpose here and that someone else can learn from such a tragic accident. Thank you for this post and for such a big reminder to not forget who is truly in control.
Thank you for this post. One of our friends' sons was a firefighter and died in a deadly fire two weeks ago. He was a first responder for what has been called, "The deadliest fire Houston has ever seen." It's so hard to see friends grieve because you want to do everything you can to help. But as Christians, we don't grieve without hope. It's still sad, though. But God does have a plan in everything. We may never see it come to fruition this side of Heaven, but we can find comfort in knowing he is in control.
Really, thank you for this post. It was very comforting to read this reminder. ::=)
Your blog is wonderful. I love that you're a believer, but your blog focuses on all aspects of your life, not just faith. My best friend struggles with trichotillomania. She's also a believer, but every once in a while the weight of this burden makes her despondent. I forward a lot of your posts to her and she really enjoys them. Keep them coming because I enjoy them too!
How sad! But this is a very good reminder to keep things in perspective, and to take every chance you get to let people know you love them--you might not have another opportunity!
Beautiful post. May God continue to bless you and your loved ones.
Oh, what a tragic story to read. So sorry for the family and for you! I love how you turned the "why" around to "how." Way too often when something bad happens people immediately blame God, but yet when something good happens God never gets the credit. But just like you said, How can we use such tragic events to show others the love of Christ. That should be the direction I turn always. Thanks for the reminder and such a great post. I will certainly join you in praying for that family.
XOXO
Lindsay
www.PursuitofPink.com
A few years ago a coworker of mine died on his motorcycle. He always did everything to be safe on it but a driver in an oncoming car had a medical emergency, swerved into my friend's lane and hit him head on, killing him instantly.
I had such a hard time with his death. He was only 23 and one of the most optimistic, friendly, caring person I had ever met. He had such a good life ahead of him and the idea that it had been cut so short really hurt my heart.
However, what I learned from his death is a lot like what you learned from this. Life is SHORT and we don't know how much time we have. You have to live every day to the fullest and take it all in.
Keeping you in my thoughts and keeping her family in my thoughts as well.
I love the color of these pants!
xx
Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
Such a heartfelt post, Aunie. Sorry to hear it, but always a needed reminder. And although tragic, your words about realizing God has a plan for it all is so true, we must always remember that, especially in tough times. Prayers for her family and your community. <3
-Chelsea
chelsandthecity.blogspot.com
It is always a reality check to see what our stresses were after we have a huge change in perspective. Thanks for reminding us to be thankful - it really is so important to cherish the ones we love every day.
I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm not very religious or full of faith. But I definitely feel we should never take for granted all the greatness we have in our lives.
Thanks, Taylor! It's those posts that come out of nowhere that hit you and remind you of the big stuff that's truly important. You had one of those with me when you spoke about the little girl recently!
that's so right. it's amazing how we forget sometimes!
Oh, me too! What a wonderful prayer. Thank you!
Oh, Becca, what a horrible story! I'm so glad you're at a point now where you can say "how," but I wish you hadn't have had to experienced it. Thank you for sharing.
Hannah, thank you for sharing your story. I'm so sorry to hear about this! But... like you said, we don't grieve without hope. You have beautiful words... thank you for sharing that!
Hey there Suheiry! Thank you! Yes, I definitely consider my faith a big part of my life, but don't try to force it on people... but once in a while, man I just have to speak what I'm thinking! Thank you for your support and especially for supporting your friend. I know it means a lot to her... support for anyone with trich means a lot!
That's the truth! You just never know... thank you Martha!
Thank you, Deborah. I appreciate that!
Lindsay, thank you! I know they're feeling all the uplifting support!
Krysten, thank you for sharing your story. What a sad loss. I can't even imagine. You're right though... live every day to the fullest because we just don't know!
Thank you Chelsea, our church and their family really appreciates it!
Thanks, Anna! I'm right there with you... big time reality check!
And that's the beauty of it... thank you for seeing the bottom line, regardless of whatever faith I bring to the table :) I appreciate you!
this is EXACTLY what i needed to read, right now! unfortunately it's not a very uplifting post, but i feel your message is speaking directly to me. poor lady, but you're right that you never know when it's your time. thanks for sharing, aunie.
I know it's a rather downer, but man, when I feel that way I just have to write, and usually a lot of people are in the boat where they need to read that kind of stuff... we all seem to be battling or going through something, so reminders like this are good... though unfortunate. Thank you, Lesley. I appreciate your comment & so glad I could connect with you today!
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