Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Two Deaths

Yesterday was a sunny, summery day; we went to a nearby petting zoo and spent the morning there with the animals, the playground, and our lunch. And, I found out about the deaths of two people.

Melanie e-mailed me and told me a friend of hers committed suicide by jumping in front of a train. We talked last night for a while; Melanie cried and told me the story of this Christian young woman, who left behind a husband and a nine-month-old baby, and who had struggled with depression. I listened and thought of a quote of St. Augustine's I just read in a Thomas Hardy novel: "Thou has counseled a better course than thou hast permitted." Melanie wondered if she could have made a difference by reaching out; surely our actions do bear fruit, and just as surely God carries out His sovereign will regardless of our feeble pursuits after righteousness or self-glory. 

Mom sent a text to my e-mail from Sacred Road, where she is on a mission trip this week: "Kathleen Parker called to say Jim died. Service 3:00 Wed. She loves us & appreciates our prayers." Dear Jim Parker, who was somewhere around 90 years old and had for many years been living with increasing pain and immobility. Yet how faithful he was to encourage others, to pull out a smile and a hug and a word of kindness.

It is good to be reminded to act Today, while there is yet life in this blade of grass -- to reach out to a friend who might be struggling or in need, and to overlook my own discomfort or desires and focus on how I can be a blessing to others.

No comments:

Post a Comment