I'm constantly reminded of God's love and grace bestowed upon me: a shameful sinner, a selfish soul. I often tell God that He shouldn't treat me with such high regards–but I secretly love every bit and don't know what I would do without it.
Sitting in the Indianapolis airport waiting on my return flight to Tampa, I reflect on my weekend that led me to this point. This quick-trip home wasn't exactly the mini-vacation that I was looking for to relieve me of all my stress. I received a phone call on Wednesday night saying that there had been an unexpected death in the family and that I would be flying out on the next available flight. After contracting a cold and being up all night because of it, I boarded the plane, along with my sister, to go home to console and love on my family–even though I wanted to be in bed with a box of Kleenex's and a stack of movies.
(It's sometimes funny how in death or hard times, people unassociated to you gather for comfort. It's a good thing that so many people want to soothe the hurting; however, it makes you wonder where those people were during the life of happiness.)
As my sister and I landed in the frigid temperatures, we bee-lined to my family's house that was now struck with sorrow. As we entered, there were many questions running through my head–primarily: why? But sometimes those questions can simply be answered by the sweet, soothing voice of God saying, just because. I made my rounds of hugs and condolences, ate the never-ending plate of food, and said my good-bye's until tomorrow.
Tomorrow was the viewing, the next day was the funeral, and the following day was the flight home. My weekend was no weekend at all, but everyday was packed with family…and obviously food.
Although my weekend was tear-filled and heavy-burdened, I really appreciated the family that surrounded me. One of my uncle's said in passing, "When our family is called upon, we come in a swarm!" This made me think of my new family that I will soon be surrounded with for a year. I know that there will be hard times and I know that there will be trying moments; however, all of these things will not only bring us together, but they will make us stronger and allow us to "swarm" one another with God's love.
I don't have answers to why death happens unexpectedly, or to good people, but I know that God has a plan throughout it all and that we are to display His love regardless.
I thank God for my family!
And I praise Him for my relationships to come!
