The Lord Giveth and the Lord Taketh Away

It seems the older I get, the more "roller-coasterish" life seems. It used to be that for every bad thing that happened (death of someone close to me, serious illness, and the like), there were usually four or five very happy events to compensate . . . weddings, babies, travels.

As I have aged, however, I have noticed that I hear much more about those who are struggling, and less about the weddings and births. I know they are going on, but among my age group, many of our friends' children have already gotten married or had their own children. It isn't like when we were all 30 and having our own families.

Our family has recently experienced several deaths, and several people about whom I have known via Facebook have passed on. As much as logic tells me it is the circle of life, it is still heart wrenching when a young life is cut short or a close relative passes on. I have also been watching as several friends or friends of friends are battling serious illnesses. I try not to dwell on it, but the prayer list is getting lengthy.

On Saturday night, Don and I had the opportunity to meet Owen Graham (who was born in November), and several of his parents' friends had their little ones there. The children were so much fun to watch. Then today we read PattySue to preschool and kindergarten children at Collegiate School. I need those fixes to remind me that the Lord Giveth, and the Lord Taketh Away. And to be grateful for both.