We cannot stop living when a loved one dies

28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing,29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? Matthew 6:28-30

My wife, son and I celebrated July 4th with a mid afternoon barbecue with my brother and sister before heading home to get ready to join our friends James and Becky and their 3 boys for fireworks at the Blaine National Sports center. Our families have done this since our kids were real little. Their family lived a mile away from us which presented many opportunities to bring our families together whether it was fireworks on the July 4th or movie nights at either of our houses. The memories we had of our two kids rolling down the hill with their boys an hour before the start of the fireworks are precious. 

 When Maria died unexpectedly our two families grieved together. Maria was like the daughter they never had and their boys were like the brothers James never had. Although life wasn't the same after she died our friendship continued to be the same. Both families knew Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and when tragedy struck both of our families had a Savior to walk with us through the often lonely and painful path of grief. Becky often listened to my wife process her grief while her husband listened to me as I process my anger in the months following my loss.

This is the beauty about being a Christian and being involved in a Christian church. When hard times come God uses a body of believers to support one another. In Corinthians we are reminded that when one part of the body hurts we hurt all over. When tragedy strikes we have church families to come to our side to pray for us, to listen to us, or to just simply sit with us as we painfully go through the healing process of our grief.

God didn't intend for us to live like lone rangers where we turn on the radio every Sunday morning to listen to one of the broadcast Sunday services, but he intended for all believers to be actively involved in church where friendships are developed.  It is in those friendships that will sustain us as we go through difficult times and struggles, including grief.

The memories we have of our children when they were small will never disappear. Each time we see their picture in their photo album or their portrait on the wall  we will feel moistness around our eyes and a slight smile on our face as we recall a memory from years gone by. 

Last night we had another good time with these friends. Our boys are now entering their upper teen years.  The two oldest are now in college.  The friendship of these 4 boys has grown stronger. That is the beauty of being a Christian.