Last evening, I had a conversation with a dear friend that ranches with his family in the Sandhills of Nebraska. We had not talked since last spring and we got beyond frivolous talk right away and just opened our hearts to share the victory and struggle of life.
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He had been following our weather situation and just wanted to know how things were and let us know that they were praying for us. I have no doubt that he has had our family on his heart during our drought. He then asked about family members and their health situation. His tender heart shows through in every conversation that we have.
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I was then able to ask how he and his family were doing. He lost a precious daughter who was also the mother to his little grandsons in a tragic and somewhat freak accident last spring on the ranch. It was my turn to listen...
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In our conversation... I learned they had a very good year in agriculture... plenty of rain... good grass.. and a stockpile of hay. Certainly not the pain of drought and heat. But I could not ignore that I was not experiencing the heartache of losing a child.
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Pain comes in different forms... And it is good when friends recognize that and are supportive of each other. This friend of mine and myself share a common foundation in that we know God is our sustainer. And that is how our conversation concluded. We know that we are not immune to the difficulties that life on this earth presents. We know that our hope is in Christ.
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We walk by faith, not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7).
What others had to say…
“I have been receiving that message over and over again, “We walk by Faith, not by sight.” It must be God trying to tell me don’t lose faith he’s in control. Although, human and everything around us looks in chaos, we must all persevere in believing God knows what he is doing! Prayers for your friend as he mourns the loss of his daughter, a terrible pain to bear. ”
“Beautifully written Larry. So glad your friend knew he could reach out to you. Prayers .Keep the Faith.”
“Praying also for the family loosing their daughter, And for your drough issues. The Lord doesn’t always tell us how long our trials will be but that He is with during the trials and He cares for us. Blessings”
“Beautiful story. Sounds like Paul in his letters. So much heart for others as there are troubles in his own life. It’s so good to bear each other’s burdens and encourage each other.”