Troubled Times

To watch one of my children, no matter their age, be saddened by a life event is one of the most difficult struggles I have experienced as a parent.  Whether it is their best friend moving away, a breakup with their girlfriend/boyfriend, the  divorce of their parents, or the death of someone close, it is difficult to know what to say or do for them.  I can say, “I am sorry you have to go through this” or “Things happen for  a reason” or “You are strong and will get through it” over and over again, but  the words just seem so empty.  I  have learned over the years to let them work through the situation by
themselves, while making sure they know I am there for them and that I love them  with all my heart.  I try to remind  them (and myself) that everything happens according to God’s plan.  One of my favorite Bible verses says, “For  I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm  you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   When something bad happens, we usually do not know why…and may never know  why in this lifetime, but we have to trust that God will get us through, according to His plan.  So in  closing, I want to say to Jackie, John, Mitchell and Evan, whenever you are hurting just remember that I am always here and each day I do the two best things I can for you: first by loving you unconditionally with all my heart and second, by praying that God will give you the strength, courage and wisdom to get through the troubled times you are experiencing.