The day does take a turn

Life and the rhythms of life seem to progress, often at a ruthless rate of speed.
And then there are days like today when time seems to slow right down, stand still even.

Micah's friend called to tell Micah that his sister had just died.

This family, newly moved from Ontario with two kids, a 14 year old girl and a younger boy, have been settling into life here in Prince Albert. The life and energy of the family focused on care for the eldest child. They have lived their lives within the reality that this day may come.

But that's the catch. It may come. Not that it will for sure, but it could, maybe, one day end like this.
And no parent wants to live down that road, so we try to make deals with the benevolent heavenly deal maker. We beg and plead for the lives of our children. And for whatever the reason, sometimes they make it and sometimes they just don't.
For this family today time has stopped, and having stopped, it mercilessly drags on. The day never seeming to end.

So, Lauralea and I went out and found the best roses this town has to offer, and we went over and introduced ourselves to them. They are generous gracious people. They seem to have walked this road well, making decisions not to be embittered by the fight.

We hugged them and shed a few tears with them as fellow parents, even if we couldn't do it as good friends.
Micah's over there right now, keeping his friend busy with a game or two.

So, tonight our hearts are over there in that home two streets over. Our prayers are going up on their behalf, and maybe it's good for us to pray as the day closes. Simply being aware of the way a life can be lived and end.

So pray with me, won't you? Even if you're not used to it, give it a try.

Be present, O merciful God,
and protect us through the silent hours of this night,
so that we who are wearied
by the changes and chances of this fleeting world,
may rest upon your eternal changelessness;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Keep watch, dear Lord,
with those who wake, or watch, or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick,
give rest to the weary,
sustain the dying,
calm the suffering,
and pity the distressed;
all for your love"s sake, O Christ our Redeemer.

In peace, we will lie down and sleep;
For you alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.

Abide with us, Lord Jesus,
For the night is at hand and the day is now past.

As the night-watch looks for the morning,
So do we look for you, O Christ.

The Lord bless us and watch over us;
the Lord make his face shine upon us
and be gracious to us;
the Lord look kindly on us
and give us peace.

Amen.

and amen.