Just from the heart...a reminder of how quickly life can change

I had all these ideas over the weekend of different topics to blog about. I even emailed them to myself so I wouldn't forget! However, this morning I have such a heavy heart for one family and everything else seems so insignificant, so how could I be selfish enough to write about anything other than this?



I do not actually know this family (The Laskowski's) personally, but through a former co-worker. It is her brother and his wife and children. This family has already suffered the terrible loss of their first child who only lived to be 100 days old. Now their second son, Jackson almost 3 years old, has just been diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma (cancer of the liver) after a trip to urgent care on 1/24/10 for constipation and swelling in the belly area. Unfortunately the cancer has also spread into Jackson's lungs. It is Stage IV and surgery is not an option at this time because the tumor is so large. They have begun chemotherapy. Please be in prayer daily for this family and for little Jackson as they fight this battle that must seem unthinkable. They do have a caring bridge site set up and to join and follow the updates, please visit: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/jacksonlaskowski .



This morning, I read the updates from the weekend on little Jackson. All I could think of is how life can change so quickly. Many of us have experienced a tragedy of some sort in our lives and most of the time we are never prepared for such an event. In fact, I think it is fair to say that with each tragedy we have gone through- a little piece of ourselves has been taken away with each suffering. Maybe that piece was replaced with something new or different, but each time you are not the exact person you were before because of the circumstances that help us to build strength and pick up the pieces to start over. There are so many questions that typically unfold during these times. I personally struggle daily with accepting loss and understanding why as humans we have to go through anything bad when life seems hard enough as it is. The interesting thing about this weakness of mine, is that I have actually suffered a small amount of loss (specifically death) in my lifetime comparatively speaking, but the thought of it consumes me almost daily. ..the fear of losing someone close to me or something bad happening to my husband, children or family and friends. "Loss" is a loaded work. It doesn't always have to mean death- it can include the loss of a friend, relationship, marriage, job, finances, control or anything in your life. Of course, when I am searching for a word of understanding or encouragement, I immediately seek Bible verses that seem appropriate to the situation. I hope the following verses help you with any suffering, confusion or anguish you may have at this time or any loss you have experienced. I also encourage you all to take the time to stop and enjoy your blessings because there is never a promise of tomorrow for any of us. I know it's so hard with work, church, kids, homework, sporting activities and other committments to take the time to stop and enjoy the moment...but at least try....give your loved ones that extra phone call today or give your spouse/child and extra hug and "I love you" and tell your friends how important and meaningful they are to your lives. You (and they) will be grateful that you took the time to remember and show them you are not to busy to appreciate and realize how short life can be...and how important it is to cherish each moment...the good, the bad and the ugly ones. Feel free to leave a comment at the end of the post!



Verses:



Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through... Instead, be very glad-for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering...
~ 1 Peter 4:12-13 A, NLT



We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.
~ Hebrews 13:8, NLT



Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.
~ Philippians 4:6, NLT



For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
~ 2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT



When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.
~ Isaiah 43:2, NLT



... Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ... And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love.
~ Romans 8:35, 38, NLT



We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
~ James 5:11, NLT



Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.
~ Hebrews 2:18, NLT