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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

God has a plan

Thank you all for the nice comments from our LA trip posts. It was so nice to get away with my sweet husband. Today's post is a little more somber.

This morning I am attending a funeral. I wish I could say it was for a friend who was 105 year old, had a handful of children and grandchildren and lived a full life. No. Today I am going to a funeral for a 22 year old man who lost his life to cardiac arrest last week, on vacation. 

I heard of this news while we were in LA and as you can imagine, was in pure shock. Wait. 22 years old? Aren't men supposed to be old and gray when they experience heart failure? My friend was young and red head. I couldn't stop asking God "why?". He was young. In school. Had a beautiful girlfriend. He has barely lived! 22 should mark a quarter of your life, not the end. My husband has great perspective.

God has a plan.

John 14 says

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

God created us and put us on this earth for a reason. We each have a purpose and mission from Him and when we have completed that mission, He brings us back home. This is such a hard idea to grasp but it is true. What God has in heaven is so much better than anything we could ever imagine on earth, and that where is my friend is today. Paradise. 

I also believe that God places people in your life for a purpose as well. Ryan, whose life we will be celebrating later this morning, was not my closest friend. In fact I never hung out with him outside of school but we always had conversation. He was always smiling, always said hello, always cared. Although you never realize it, he was the guy whose smile could be the one thing that keeps you sane during mid-terms or when your bff is driving you nuts. Reading his FB wall, I know I wasn't the only one who was touched by his mere presence.

Last summer, Jon lost one of his very best friends, John, in a freak hang gliding accident. John was 26. Another one taken way too young. Sitting in John's funeral last summer, his pastor said that he was lucky to have had dinner with John the night before his passing. That night, John confessed that he wanted to give up everything he had, donate all his money and live for God alone. The day before he died! It was in that moment Jon and I decided that we wanted to change our lives. Live for the moment, without any doubt or regret, because you don't know when your last will be. 

John Seward 1/18/84-6/23/10

I pray that Jon and I live to see children, grandchildren and many more Frenchies. And I trust God will bring me home when it is my time. One of my favorite verses that seems to help me get through so much comes from Psalms. 

"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalms 46:10

Today I am thanking God for the privilege of knowing Ryan and pray for strength for his family and friends. Today I trusting the Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6

19 comments:

Heather @ Finding Beauty in the Ordinary said...

I love that Bible verse, too. These men sound like incredible human beings & I am confident that they will be incredibly honored today... praying for the ceremony. And yes, let's live for today xo

Kelly said...

Great post. I hope you feel God holding you tight during the ceremony. Prayers for all those affected by this loss. ((hugs))

Laura Leigh said...

Ruthie, that was beautiful. You are so young, but so wise beyond your years. I lost my faith years ago and still struggle with the idea of God. Your faith is so inspiring. I think your blog is touching many people's lives, including mine. Where do you guys go to church?

Amanda said...

I love this post. I'm glad you got to go to the funeral. And your right Ryan was always smiling and had such a great personality. I didn't hang out with him much either, but we were all friends with the same people. I love this post and these verses. xoxo

Jesica said...

So sorry to hear this news. It's so sad when anyone so young dies. Thoughts and prayers to his family.

Sarah said...

Beautiful thoughts. It is hard to praise God through the storms, but how amazing it will be to sit at the feet of Jesus one day and be reunited with all those who believed. Praying for all those who are hurting from the loss of your friend.

kris {life at the table} said...

wise words in a time where it's humanly impossible to understand it! prayers for the families to see His peace and plan in all this.

Anonymous said...

so sorry to hear of the loss. what an inspiring post. through times like that, faith is the only thing that carries you through. you're in my prayers.

Soleil Doux @ Soleil Doux Blog said...

Very sorry to hear of such tragedy. My heart goes out to everyone involved.

Claire Beeks said...

Be still is one of my favorite verses, Ruthie! Thanks for sharing your perspective on God's plan. It was touching. I am so sorry for your loss and know that I'm thinking of you today :-)

Katie @ minivan diva said...

I am so broken hearted for his family and girlfriend. It is so hard to understand. Your words are beautiful and bring reassurance to those who believe and hope for those who are ready to make that choice. It sounds like his life will impact the choices of many.

Dani said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I think the Bible verses that you used are perfect. This post really made me think.

colette said...

very sorry to hear about your loss. in our human mind, it's so hard to understand why these things happen. i think you wrote beautifully about God giving us a purpose on this earth, and then taking us home when our mission is complete. thank you for your encouraging words!

Jane {In The Pink & Green} said...

What a beautiful post, I love those scriptures and I couldn't agree more that the Lord has a plan and you really don't know when you'll take your last breath so you really have to be thankful for each and everyday and not take time or people for granted! xoxo

Also, I just found your blog and I'm so glad I did because it's really cute! I'm a new follower :)

www.inthepinkandgreen.blogspot.com

Karen said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Your husband is a wise man and has it figured out. I will pray for you all and his family during this time of grief.

henning love said...

ugh this hurts to read definitely taken way too young and we will never understand why until we get to ask God up in heaven. I have a story similar to the last one, one of my friends had a Christmas party last year she said that night at the Christmas party her friend was asking to see their high school yearbook and they were all talking about all their great memories and within a few hours of leaving that party she passed away. again way too young with a young daughter and we can't even begin to understand why. But God's Word does provide comfort in all of this always have to turn to His word

Abbey said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and the young man's family in my thoughts and prayers.

Adrienne said...

Great post Ruthie....such an amazing perspective to have regarding life and God. I'm very sorry for your loss...

Becca {A Blonde's Logic} said...

Very touching post Ruthie! It's hard to lose someone so young and full of life but you're right, God has a plan for each of us.

Becca
http://blondeslogic.blogspot.com

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