Loss

Something tragic happened last week to a friend of my children.  Several people were drowning due to a severe riptide.  Two friends and one of their fathers decided to perform an heroic act.  If anyone knows anything about riptides than they know that even the strongest swimmers will have trouble.  The boys and the father went in anyhow.  The boys were accomplished swimmers.  They managed to save almost everyone except that the boy’s father did not make it.  This is very sad and no one ever anticipates this happening especially when you are supposed to be enjoying yourselves on spring break. 

First, I would like to pray that the father was a believer.  Second, I pray that the family finds comfort from our Lord.  While the passing of this man is very sad and hurtful, it is comforting to know that he did something that most of us will never be able to do.  He sacrificed his life for the life of another.  To know that he put a smile on God’s face by his sacrifice has to be comforting to the family.  I know it is very sad that physically he will not be here on this earth, but spiritually his presence will be here to support and comfort them. 

How ever long we live on earth, whether it is 100 minutes or 100 years, that time is but a snap of the fingers compared to eternity.  No one knows how long God has planned for us on this planet, but knowing that Jesus died and sacrificed himself for our sins allows us to spend eternity with him and God the Father.  That sacrifice is our gift that can not be taken away.  While we are on this earth, we must also pass along the gift of sacrifice.  This sacrifice can come in the form of love, kindness, empathy, charity, etc. and in this case the ultimate sacrifice of giving up your life for another.  There is sadness for the family, but there is also joy.  Sadness that you can not be physically with him and joy knowing that spritualy he is with you as well as with the Father in heaven.  My prayers are with this family.

Have a Blessed day!