Grief

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Sometimes the news comes quick. Sometimes the news comes slow. No matter how or when it comes, grief travels in the wake of the news. Grief is heavy, weighty, a burden, especially when it involves someone deeply loved. Grief is not meant to be carried alone. It’s too heavy and may last a while—and that’s ok. That’s what family and friends are for, to share the load. Jesus stood outside the tomb of his friend and wept but He did not weep alone. It was a deep, human moment. “ Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted ” (Matt 5:4). If anyone knows how we feel in grief, it’s Him. But His grief did not linger long, as at the mention of his name, Lazarus came forth. We are not meant to dwell in grief, but should leave room enough for it. Let it run its course. Like the song says, “ Every Storm Runs Out Of Rain .” Another song says, “ The storm We will dance as it breaks The storm It will give as it takes And all of our pain is washed away Don't cry or be afraid Some things...

Getting a Complete Education

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Adapted from "To Be Educated" by Carolyn C.

If I learn my ABCs, can read 600 words per minute,
and can write with perfect penmanship,
But have not learned how to communicate with the
Designer of all language,
My education is not complete.

If I have memorized addition facts,
multiplication tables, and chemical formulas,
But have never disciplined myself to hide God's Word
in my heart,
My education is not complete.

If I can classify animals by their family, genus,
and species and can write a lengthy scientific paper
that wins an award,
But have not been introduced to the
Maker's purpose for all creation,
My education is not complete.

If I can recite the Gettysburg Address and the
Preamble to the Constitution,
But have not been informed of the hand of God in the
history of our country,
My education is not complete.

If I can play the piano, the violin,
six other instruments,
and can write music that moves men to tears,
But have not learned to listen to the Director
of the universe and worship Him,
My education is not complete.

If I can run cross-country races,
star in basketball,
and do 100 push-ups without stopping,
But have never bent my will to do God's will,
My education is not complete.

However, if one day I see the world as God sees it
and come to know Him Whom to know is life eternal,
and glorify God by fulfilling His purpose for me,
Then, my education is complete!

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