What Now (?) Now What

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ~James 1:2-4

I was at a Bob Evans restaurant yesterday and I had just ordered my food and across from me is a lady who is close to my age and was having a late lunch or early dinner with her mother. It is a beautiful site to me. I am happy they are able to spend time together and talk. I am not close enough to hear the details of their conversation but I did hear their laughter and the subtle gestures they lovingly gave  one another. I am not jealous, just recognizing the love between them. It made me think of my mom and how much I loved her and reminded me that I had looked forward to spending time with her, just as these two women were doing. Dealing with and journeying through a loss, no matter who it is, is difficult to say the least. I’ve learned and gained much knowledge and maturity since my mom passed away. I often describe it as an “unexpected” loss; however, the reality is we all will die some day and we all will eventually lose someone very dear to us.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…” ~Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Too often in life comparisons are made within every aspect of our lives, whether it is things like, “the loss of my job is more harmful because…the loss of my mother is more devastating that yours because…I am more valued than you because…his sins/faults/indiscretions are worse than mine because… Life is important, every single life is important. Loss is devastating, no matter who it is or who you are. Wrong is wrong no matter who you are, no matter how much money you have…no matter how big your house may be…no matter what zip code you live in…no matter your religious beliefs…no matter the color of your skin…no matter what language you speak. God does not have a hierarchy of the levels of sin. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And God does not stop here, He offers redemption “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” ~Romans 3:24. God also loves each and every person born, after all God is the creator of all things.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.” ~John 1:1-4

I realize that this posting has went in a couple of different directions and I would like to try to corral it all back in by stating the title of this post: What Now (?) Now What, these two words have different meanings based upon how they are grouped together. *At least I think they do, let me try to explain. When I say “What now?” it feels like I can’t take anymore! When I say “Now what?” it feels like I tried something and it didn’t work, what other options do I have. It may just be “splitting hairs” as the saying goes. It may only make sense in my mind (!).

All this words to explain a couple of simple truths.
1. Life is a gift, do not take it for granted. It will not stop for you or me.
2. Everyone matters, no one should have to prove their worthiness.

~Blessings and Peace~
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com