Life gets back to normal, but lessons are learned.

I have been a bit scarce on this blog, and for that I am sorry.
We lost a family member two weeks ago today, and his passing still stings. He was 21, and he died in a car accident.
And in these terrible days since, I've discovered how complex grieving is. I've lost family members before, but when it is one so young, so full of life, we who are older pause, and feel it deeply. I  was mad even at him for dying and hurting us all. It's crazy, but that was how I felt.
And if there is anything I can take out of this, is the comfort of Jesus' words when he said, "No one can snatch you from my hands."
God loves us, and even though we sin and make tons of mistakes, his love endures forever.
Another thing that has caught me in all this is that when our younger generation, our children, our grandchildren, even, do dumb things and we want to yell at them, we must remember that God is the one in charge here. God loves all of us sinners, and only after asking for His guidance and through Christian love can we approach anyone else. So soon we and our loved ones are separated, and we must answer all in love.
Next time your son or daughter acts up, remember to stop a moment, pray and above all, tell him or her that you love them.
We're slowly returning to a 'normal' life without Logan, but we ask for comfort (yes, if you are hurting too, ask God to comfort *you*, and he will) and wisdom. Grief is difficult and complex and turns into a terrible slurry of emotions, but in the midst of that, as we sang at Logan's funeral:

The sun comes up; it's a new day dawning
It's time to sing Your song again
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes

Lyrics taken from http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/matt_redman/10000_reasons_bless_the_lord.html

Love your children, your family, and in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, and God will be there lifting you up in your struggles.
Today is Sunday. Attend the church of your choice.
Blessings,
Barbara Phinney