Living for Christ

Sunday, October 01, 2006

Lives Forever Changed

Tragedy struck yesterday morning when a woman pulled out in front of my son Dustin as he was headed into football practice. He slammed on his brakes, but was unable to stop. She was killed, probably instantly. Please keep her family and ours in your prayers. This woman also happens to be the step grandmother of one of Dustin's best friends who's mother is also one of my best friends. We can't of course understand why Dustin was able to walk away uninjured while her life came to an abrupt end, but we are trusting God for good in the midst of heartache and pain. Life can change in the blink of an eye - and that sure forces a perspective change (once again). We are praising God that my daily (& urgent) prayers of safety were answered for Dustin. I know God's angels were there surrounding his truck and his body.

Dustin had a day with many of his buddies by his side. (including the friend who's related to this woman) Also we are so thankful that her 5 children came to tell Dustin not to blame himself - he could not avoid the accident. That helped and we are blessed because of their forgiving hearts.

A friend said that she wonders if God has a special calling on Dustin's life because of all he has been thru in his young life. I continue to search for the meaning in all that occurs in our lives. Many things we don't understand but that doesn't change what we know to be true. God is always good; He never leaves us nor forsakes us; His ways and thoughts are bigger than ours; And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28

Thank you for your prayers as we go thru these next few days and weeks. Please keep Ruth's family in your prayers as well. This is the third wife her husband has lost. (the other two to cancer) All her children are grown and married with children - there are five of them and I don't know how many grandchildren.

Dustin is a very quiet person, not expressing himself much. I am praying he will get his thoughts and feelings out so he can deal with them. I am praying most of all that he is letting his thoughts and feelings flow out to God. Our dear friend and minister came to talk with him last night. Dustin's friend, who's grandmother it was, was with us too. He helped him think thru the feelings he might be having and even got him to answer some questions. We are thankful for the ways we have already seen God's hand in this. May this draw Dustin closer and closer to the Lord and may God be glorified in the process.