Will Life Ever Be Normal Again?

That was a big question on my mind after the death of our daughter, Crystal.  Burying one of your children is not what we think is the normal pattern of life.  Children bury parents.  That is considered normal. Is life normal again?  I think I have come to the conclusion that life is normal.  We tend to think of normal as being free from the unexpected, the rare or unusual, but all of that is part of life.  Life is different from day to day but even the differences are part of normal life here on earth.

 My friend, Tim Sheetz, Executive Director of Handi*Vangelism International observed a difference he perceived in me in reference to my grief.  He said, “In previous meetings you shared what you were going through.  Now I hear you sharing more what you have gone through.”  We talked about this in reference to my ministry to other grieving parents.  In the grieving process it is good to share with someone who is also going through grief, but it is also good to see how someone has gone through grief.  Grief never ends, but there is some light through the shadow of death, and that is more clear now than eight years ago when Crystal died.

 Pain and sorrow, sickness and tragedy are normal, and until it all becomes “Crystal Clear” in the next life, we have the presence of a loving, compassionate God to go with us, and the hope of heaven.  I also have other grieving people to walk with me in my grief journey and my hope and prayer is that you do too.

 The following verses are from an anonymous poem  “Letter From Heaven"*

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years, Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too; That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain; Then you can say to God at night…”My day was not in vain.”

And now I am content, that my life was worthwhile Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low; Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

Jesus said, “I am the one who raises the dead and gives them life again.  Anyone who believes in me, even though he dies like anyone else, shall live again.  He is given eternal life for believing in me and shall never perish.”  John 11:25-26 TLB

 Taken from A Bright Tomorrow, Copyright holder, De Vores & Sons, Inc. Wichita, KS