Passing Understanding

Normally I would love days like today
and would just be dancing through my house,
basking in the cozy beauty of this day that shows us
the beginning of the transition
from summer to autumn.

But today I am thinking that this quiet, grayness
is very appropriate for the broken hearts
in our community.
I am still just frozen and speechless
each time that I think of the family who has suffered
this horrible tragedy.
I have prayed for them so much,
for the one in particular who is my friend and who,
I believe, bears the greatest burden in this situation.

Have you ever had one of those situations
where you are praying for something
and you don't have any idea how God can do it?
That's how I feel in this situation.
I know that God gives grace and peace.
I have experienced it myself.
I have seen it in the lives of others.
I know that God can and will give comfort to this family.
I just don't know what comfort there can be here.
I just can't fathom it.
I can't imagine it.
I feel like it's something beyond my grasp.
If that were me, I don't know how I would deal with it.
I'm not doubting God. I know that He can do it.
I just don't know how.
I have never suffered anything like that
(and I hope I won't!) so I guess it's just beyond me.
But I know He is able.
God's own Son was brutally murdered.
He has experienced this very same pain
that my friend is going through.
I hope that she knows that underneath her
are the everlasting arms. I hope she feels
His strength. I hope she is not wondering where God is
in all of this. I hope she lets Him comfort her.

It's just kind of hard to focus my mind
on the things that need to be done around here today.
We have been busy this morning
although we haven't gotten to our school work yet.
We have done a MAJOR pick up, tidying,
organizing of the house (or most parts of it).
It had somehow been mistaken for the city dump
in these recent days of illness. I had to turn away
a line of cars who wanted to come and add to our piles.
But we have made major progress.

Now on to the academic portion of our day
--this is our last week of this quarter!
(and there was much rejoicing)
One fourth of the school year is ending.
I am so glad.
Next week we have
no school.
I am trying to make it where we can
have some fun that week
and I am also trying like crazy to make
a few hours one of the days where I can
GET AWAY from my lovely lovely family
and actually have a little break myself.
By myself.

I also got a call from my mother-in-law this morning.
They are coming in this weekend.
She called to tell me about the diet they are on
and what they will eat each meal.
To the ounce.
Are you rolling your eyes?


Okay--let's not lose momentum here!
I have really gotten a number of things done this morning
and I need to just keep going.

I hope that you are off to a good start on this week.
I hope that you will have a lovely day, Dear Reader.

If you think about it, pray for my friend.