The Moments That Change Everything

Have you ever had one of those days where something happened that changed the circumstances for the rest of your life?  Most of us have experienced times like this which can be for good or bad.  Things like:

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Births
• Deaths
• Accidents
• Betrayals

The good things are cherished and embraced.  They often bring a new life, brighter circumstances, renewed hope.  We eagerly walk down the path they present.

The bad things make the same significant changes as life will never be the same following them. But they are not eagerly embraced, and may be questioned, railed on as unfair, thought of as destructive for us. 

Two of the most life changing events in my life happened in June and were one week apart.  Today is the anniversary of my father's unexpected death. 29 years ago our family was in the throes of wedding plans. My wedding was one week away and along with finalizing wedding details, we were packing and preparing to move into our new home. I'll never forget the day my dad drove a load of my belongings to my future home, walked around it and later told me he had to stop alongside the road and shed some tears. It was a time of transition and great change for our family.

Just days after that a tragic situation occurred and my father lost his life. In literally seconds, our family was forever changed.  Everything was different now that dad was no longer with us. Our family, our home and lives now had a huge void and we wondered where to go from here. The leadership shifted to my mother who was grieving her husband, but bravely advised us to move forward with our lives and the wedding, assuring us that is what Dad would want us to do. 

The wedding went on as scheduled and gave us a beautiful light in the midst of the dark circumstances. A beautiful newness began as a new branch of family grew. 

Time does bring healing as our intense grief fades and acceptance begins to settle in the soul.  Daily routines change and become more familiar. The 'new normal' comes into play and our lives eventually adapt. Grief and pain are never forgotten, but new and good memories come into life and begin to bring more good days and less bad days. 

As shocking and unexpected life's circumstances can be, our faith and trust can be solid as we recall that God is never shaken or surprised. Although we live in a world full of bad things that can and will affect us at times, He is steadfast and sure. Looking back over the years, there is a thread of comfort and strength that continues to this day. God's grace is sufficient to cover us. 

Anniversaries like today bring memories flooding back but also bring the reality that God is with us and always has been. His grace is seen through the hard days and the joy He gives as healing and help come. God is truly the God of all comfort and will walk with us through our circumstances. 

As June 9 changed everything in the world of my family, the faithfulness of God proved to be a comfort and a steadfast source of strength. With Him, we can face our tomorrow, whatever they may bring.