Recently a family member has been having some pretty horrific trials in their life. They have had an amazing life though. Filled with marriage, children, traveling the globe, serving their country, loving and caring for others.But within the last 6 weeks has been dealt a horrendous blow. Without being specific about the nature of the trial because I would like to respect their privacy, I will explain how this person has affected me.
I don't have many members of family on my father's side. The people that I have been privileged to know on this side are incredible, amazing people. They are tough, strong, fighters who don't know the word quit. They are giving and selfless. They love people. They have traveled the globe being exposed to all different kinds of cultures and have embraced each one. They are truly one of a kind.
We see eachother only a few times a year, but when we get together it's home to me. They hug you, genuinely want to know how you are doing, and don't want you to leave too soon. So why do bad things have to happen to them?
I know that none of us are exempt from trials, unfortunately. We all knew exactly what we were getting into when we agreed to come to this earth. The saddest part is that we don't remember. I believe that our merciful Heavenly Father showed us exactly what trials we would be given here before we came. We agreed to the terms and were sent to earth with the veil drawn over our memories so we would all be tested equally. It gives a tiny bit of comfort to know that our Heavenly Father loved us and didn't assign us anything that we couldn't handle. Although at times it seems unbearable.
This time it is overwhelmingly hard to bear. Even with the knowledge that we have. We want the people we love to be with us always. Near us, cheering us on in the flesh, and hugging us when we need it the most. It's selfish really. I guess that's why we have funerals. It's for those that are left behind so we can remember that person and say goodbye. When in reality the person that has moved on is free from illness, deformed bodies that don't do what they want them to do, and emotional pain.What a merciful Father in Heaven.
Sometimes it's hard to take the knowledge that we have and translate it to our hearts. To convince our hearts that it's okay even though that person is leaving or gone. To convince it that we will be able to carry on and that it won't hurt so much, someday. I know time lessens pain. I have had experience with that. But it never fully goes away. It leaves it's imprint on your heart and forever changes how you view life, death, and love. I am forever grateful for the family that I was blessed to be born into. They have been incredible examples of kindness, love, gratitude, and strength of character. They stood firm in doing what was right, even when no one was looking. They never sought praise or recognition. They quietly went about doing good.
I love this person dearly. As they begin this journey, I want to take the burden from them so badly. I know that they wouldn't wish this on anyone, but I don't want to see them suffer. I pray that the Lord will grant them this tender mercy as they continue on this path. I feel helpless to do anything to help them. They have a good support system of loving family members surrounding them, but I wish I could do something. Anything.
May the Lord grant me the peace to accept the things I can't change.
The strength to change the things I can.
And the wisdom to know the difference.
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