Three

I have lost three people close to me this year, and am tempted to ask God to hit “Fast Forward” on the rest of the year 2016.

I am left to wonder, having first lost our son, then a mentor, and then just days ago a good friend and fishing buddy. The phrase “it comes in threes” just doesn’t quite describe the feeling of disbelief that three important losses can come in a span of as many months. Is this simply proof that we live in a broken world and are destined to suffer without a good reason?

Our first loss, and the impetus for this blog, was our infant son, Jacob. His life was so incredibly short – just 44 days. He hadn’t even begun to experience life when his was ended. The second loss was a life well and long-lived. He was a stalwart in the Christian faith, a fine family man, and touched the lives of so many. The third was, well, somewhere in between. My friend was not young in years, yet he was youthful. He was a pleasant presence, who adored (and was adored by) his family. Nearer to the end of his story than his beginning, he still had much to offer. And tragically, suddenly, he reached the end.

What do all three of these very different stories have in common? The answer is: God’s Grace. From the moment of Christ’s birth (Luke 2:10: “And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”) to His Resurrection , God’s plan of salvation is for each and every one of us, young or old.

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.” John 10:4.

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Acts 2:39.

Death is such a bitter pill to swallow. The initial loss is bad enough. But the memories, which are triggered unwittingly by the smallest of things, can reopen the wounds. Loss at any stage in life is cause for sadness and grief. Yet, we cling to the promise of grace and mercy and peace that is ours (and theirs) through Christ. If I look upon the headstones of these three dear ones, I will see a cross on each. I can choose to view these three crosses as symbolic of loss; or I can choose to see these three crosses as they were intended to be seen – as reminders of the great sacrifice for ALL, and of our salvation.

And so, maybe I’ll change my mind. Maybe I am ready to see what else 2016 brings. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll have more opportunities this year to share the Good News, and to reach others who may be hurting. Why would I want to fast-forward and waste those opportunities?