Love All You Can For As Long As you Can!!!

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 ESV)
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16, 17 ESV)
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:2, 3 ESV)

People ask:  Why do bad things happen to good people?
                     Why does God take people we love away from us?

On June 25, 2003 our son Ronald Marc Chaufty died of cancer.  He was 39 years old.  Ron, his wife, and I traveled to MD Anderson.  After several days of testing with negative results, I felt so frustrated, alone, and helpless.  Ed was in Texarkana and I missed his love, encouragement.  My role as a mother had changed.  Ron wasn't  a little boy anymore, he had a wife and they made all the decisions as I stood by and observed.  I cried out to Jesus: "What am I suppose to do?  Jesus I would gladly trade places with our son.   What is my purpose, how can I help?  

Suddenly I had an urge to read.  I headed to the hospital library located in the basement.  It was so peaceful, and I began to browse through all the numerous books ending up in the fictional section.  As I looked at the many titles, I kept returning to Wish You Well by David Baldacci.  I checked it out and began reading it.  It was a fictional book and I had no idea that my prayer would be answered as I read this book.  It was a novel filled with bone-deep emotional truths.  It dealt with life and death issues, suffering and joys of daily existence.

Diamond ran into the mine to retrieve Jeb his dog.  There was an explosion and Diamond was killed. Diamond was Lou' friend.  She was very young and didn't understand why Diamond had gone in the mine after Jeb.  Mr. Cotton  a friend of her grandmother said, "Jeb was all Diamond had, and when you love something you can't just stand by and not do anything".  After several minutes, Lou asked, "Why do things like this happen, Cotton?"  He sighed deeply, "I suppose it may be God's way of telling us to love people while they're here, because tomorrow they may be gone. . . ".

That's it.  My answer.  I knew immediately God's answer to my prayer.  He was telling me my purpose was to love all I could for as long as I could.  Instantly I felt so peaceful.  I felt Jesus' loving arms surrounding me.  Yes, I can do this!  I can love our son, Ron and be grateful for every moment, be grateful that God allowed us 39 years with this beautiful boy, our son.  Does my heart heart?  Sometimes.  Do we miss him?  Yes, everyday.  We thank God for all the beautiful memories!  I tell myself that I would be selfish to want to keep him here with us, because he is home in the loving arms of Jesus, experiencing all of God's glory.  Of course we had to let him go home.  One day we will be reunited and we too will experience all of God's Glory!!!
Remember God loves you and so do I.

Ul