Life

In the last week, we went to one of my best friend from college's wedding, a funeral for an 82 year old who went to our church, and celebrated the fact that my son is now 3. And as we deal with some major ups and some major downs that have occurred, as well, in the last week, I can't help but shake my head at this crazy thing we call Life.
The wedding: Hearing again about the vows taken to honor and cherish...in good and bad. Being reminded of how far Shawn and I have come since the day we said I do....and how far we have to go. Knowing that we are still at the beginning of something great!
The Funeral: Probably the best celebration of life I have been to, George's funeral was awesome! At the end of his days, the legacy he left to his friends and family was apparent in all who spoke and all who came. He lived a life for God...there was no question, no doubt and because of that, it was a true celebration of life. It was an honor to be there.
The Birthday: New life. Gavin is getting so old to me, but really, he's just 3. So much ahead of him. So much more molding and shaping to do. So many experiences to be had. He's a beautiful, wonderful, silly, and serious little boy and there is sooo much before him.
In a week of some new heartaches and struggles, as well as some good times with friends and family, I can't help but be a little overwhelmed by "Life". It is so full and so crazy, so hurtful and so exhilarating. My mind struggles to wrap itself around these moments of time where good and bad take place simultaneously.
These events provided the perspective I have needed for the emotional roller coaster of the week and for the season of life ahead. I am even more grateful to live a life knowing and loving our God. I can't imagine trying to ride this ride without Him, without comfort to ease our sorrow, hope to squelch the fear and without anyone to praise for the triumphs or rejoice with us. I am so grateful life is not that way and I am so grateful He is so good.

What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you'll have it all—life healed and whole.I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it's your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory. 1 Peter 3-7 (The Message)