Two Gifts

Sorrow and loss are two of God's most precious gifts to us.

Sorrow that we might know the world and feel empathy with a sinful world deep in sorrow. Without sorrow, I could not love in the darkest tests of faith--when those I love and those I am called to love--my neighbors--are in deepest need of a caring heart and a helping hand. The world says that sorrow is proof that God is not good; maybe even that He doesn't exist. And that is why men and women struggle to love sacrificially when and where it is most needed. And for as long as it's needed. Only men and women acquainted with grief are qualified to be comforters in a world desperately in need of comforting with a comfort resting in hope.

Loss is the road to a deepening knowledge of Him. "I count all things loss that I might know Him"--that I might be conformed to His likeness, that I might gain an intimacy with my Savior unencumbered by the things that steal away my love and my reliance on His love.. And to know Him is to love Him is no cliche. "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Celebrated with praise be the name of the Lord." Let us adore Him who draws us to His side as the One we need in a world where the temporary is adored--with an "adoration" that fills a man and women with emptiness.

Sorrow--that we might so love the world.

Loss--that we might more deeply know and love Him who is all we need.

Sorrow. Loss. Resplendent gifts from the Father--the Giver of Good Gifts--and only good gifts.