Tragedy

Jennifer went to a double funeral at a Jewish temple this week for a mom and dad who were her neighbors and killed in a car accident this past weekend. They were headed to Colorado with their three children, for a family trip, and a head on collision took the lives of both parents and left all three children, ages 5 through 9, with spinal cord injuries and broken bones being cared for in a hospital in Lubbock. It was the Berry family. Grandparents, family and friends rallied immediately, many going to Lubbock, while others stayed in town trying to pick up pieces from this tragedy and make appropriate arrangements.

Oh how short life is, and how quickly circumstances can unravel a world of comfort and spew the known set of life styles and ways into a myriad of chaos. While one brother of the dad spoke at the funeral of grief, it was overshadowed by his need for strength and wisdom. For he and his wife who have two of their own children would now be the guardians of three more. They will be supported for sure by their extended family at the temple, for the families are very involved there, and also
from their immediate family and friends who lovingly and with saddened and grieving hearts will be there as well.

When tragedies of this nature strike in our community, it strikes our awareness of truly how short life is and how unpredictable our days on this earth may be. I did not know this family personally, but when I heard the story I thought of how many times we had driven probably that very same route to Colorado. I looked forward to the family time and took it for granted that we would have a fun filled vacation without interference. I suspect the Berry's felt the same way. They never would have dreamed when they set out on the roads of Texas that this would be the last time to be with their children.

Today is all we have. It is such a old cliche "to live for today", but just for a moment, consider if this was your last day on earth, what would you put on you priority list of things to do, people to call, amends to make, moments to cherish? We can't live in fear of what will happen in the hours to come but we can live in awareness of the gift of life that we have been given today, the paths that we choose to take, and the importance and significance that we put on things that have lasting influence. The times that we spend encouraging others, and teaching and sharing the truth as we know it with others, and trying to see others through the loving lens of God's eyes are the banks on which our footprints are left.

The 23rd Psalm was the scripture of truth and basis for the closure of the lives of these two loved and cherished children of God. They were mom and dad, they were a son and daughter, they were friends, they were acquaintances, they were a sister and brother, they were servants, but above all they are children who God created for his purposes. Tragedy makes no sense to us on this earth and we wonder how will these survivors have the strength to carry on with such heavy grief upon them. They will carry on through the grace of God with the provisions of God, by the loving and girded support of those whom God has placed
in their paths.

Yes lives will be forever changed, and yes there will be a void that only God can fill. But these two, age 28 and 31, though they were only here for a short while did make an impact on this world and the people who knew them. They were devout in their faith and their service to their temple and may God's mercy be upon them as they leave this world. May his mercy be upon all of us when our time has been called to death in this life.

Death is a reminder to all of us that life is short and we are only here for a little while. May we strive on this day to do our best and be our best and share our best. We do not know the hour that we will be called home, but we do know that as we live on this earth, we have been created and placed here for a purpose greater than we can imagine. One that God has ordained and commissioned, and that will not be thwarted. The Berry's has a purpose, and that purpose was initiated and instituted
by God himself. We may not be able to see the effects in clear view but God in his faithful orchestration will see it through.

Live for this day, in reverence and respect and awe to our Holy God, in joy for the many blessings that he has bestowed on us, and in praise and thanksgiving for his moment by moment presence in our lives. This day, this moment is all that we are assured of. Our future lies in the hands of our loving God. May we seek him, know him, love him, trust him, obey him, and follow him. For there is where we will find our greatest joy.

Dear Lord, Bless this family and help them to be comforted. Give them strength to carry on and wisdom to know your way. Amen

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name's sake. 4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!