(Disclaimer: If you don't wanna be bummed out, you might want to skip this one...)
Today we celebrated 10 years at Cornerstone. A new part of the body was born 10 years ago this Sunday, and we've had the privilege of being a part of it the whole time. It was such a blessing. Old friends traveled to celebrate with us... new got to meet old. Lots of talk about the past, the things we've learned as we've grown up together here. It was a joy - an absolute joy - to remember, to thank God, for where He's brought us and what He's done. He is good - truly good. And I probably will talk about that more later, but -
At the same time, this is a day of struggle for me...
My heart is just broken for some friends today. Friends going through such heartache and there is really nothing you can do to help alleviate the pain. Most of the words I can think to say just seem trite and stupid - they won't help. I want to fix it - I can't.
Life just deals such harsh, difficult, crappy, hands sometimes - and it doesn't seem fair - it isn't fair. What's that my parents always told me? - what I told my kids? - "Life isn't fair - get used to it."
But we don't get used to it.
I think of the "one another's" of scripture. Bear one another's burdens, mourn with those who mourn, weep with those who weep. I guess, sometimes, that's the best we can do. Sit with them, pray for them, cry with them, hold their hands and be a presence.
It seems woefully inadequate...
What do you do with the pain you feel for others?
What do you do, say, when life is collapsing around them?
I don't really think words need to be said. I think that just being there with a listening ear and a hand to hold is all people need sometimes. Words of encouragement are helpful at times, but I really think just sitting and being there and praying for them is the best thing. (in my experience from both sides)
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