Home from Work

Friday, October 6, 2011:  We spent last night calling our immediate families to share the heartbreaking news.  But we did not have the energy to call or write to anyone else.  My boss called and told me to stay home today.  That's a good thing.  Because the only thing Emily and I could do was cry all day.  I think we slept until noon.  I didn't feel like getting out of bed.  I definitely did not have the energy to shave, much less take a shower.  I just threw on a clean pair of jeans and a ball cap and called it good.  It's not like we were going to go anywhere.

So, we spent the early afternoon on Friday compiling an e-mail for our friends and family.  We poured our heart out, sharing how we have somehow embraced this journey as our blessing.  We knew right away that God would use this misfortune to bless others.  Even if it meant that we just touched one life, we were at peace with that.  Romans 8:28 says, "we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (NASB).  We continued to pray that we would not only endure this, but that we would also suffer well for his glory.


Once we sent the e-mail, we immediately began receiving an overwhelming amount of support, love, prayers, and encouragement from family, close friends, distant acquaintances, and even some strangers.  The power of prayer cannot be over-estimated!  God is good.

Later that night, our good friends, Tristan and Kate, came over and kept us company until well past midnight.  They were hesitant to come over on account of "bothering us."  But we welcomed their visit, because we knew we could both use a hug or two, not to mention talking through our pain and suffering.  They were more of a blessing than they will ever know.  Tristan and Kate: you guys rock!  Thank you for loving us.

Overall, today was a great day.  It felt good, in a strange way, to share our story.  I can only explain it by quoting Paul in his letter to the church at Philippi:  "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:6,7 - NASB).
Thank you Jesus.