Let God Restore

Ps. 23:3 "He restores my soul."

Dec. 28, 2001 began a chain reaction in my life. My father died. In June my mother was diagnosed with cancer and died July 6, 2002. Three weeks later my uncle, my mom's brother, died. In April 14,2003 our son, 39 years old, was admitted in a hospital for test. On April 17 we received a phone call that our great nephew, 22 year old, had been killed in a car wreck. On April 18 we found out our son had cancer. He died June 25, 2003. In 1 1/2 years. 5 people I care deeply for had gone to heaven before me.

Through it all I read, and recited Ps. 23. As Marie Schockey said when writing about the loss of her son; "To have gone through this trial and experienced the 'valley of the shadow of death' and come out on the other side unchanged - that would be the real tragedy."

God gives us choices. We can be bitter and withdraw from the Lord or we can choose to draw near him. Yes, we hurt, but we need to allow God to comfort us, teach us and use what we have learned to help others as they walk through the journey of grief.

People say we need to get our lives back to normal. Normal is only a state of mind. Earth is temporary but eternity is permanent. God spoke to me through the fictional book - "Wish You Well". He told me my purpose is to love all I can for as long as I can and be grateful for the time we had together.

Don't put off today thinking you will have the same opportunities tomorrow. Cherish each moment of each day. Tell others you love them and care about them.