A Temporary Home

Well, I am reminded today, again, how fleeting life is.  This is not an uplifting posting I'm afraid.  Sometimes I think it's good to explore the sad feelings, too.

We lost a member of our church family this week to cancer.  She had a long, painful battle with it.  It's been months since she was able to attend church regularly.  Her family was there today.  I was surprised to see them there.  Her funeral was Thursday. 

Last night, I heard from another friend about her sister-in-law that is battling cancer.  She also has MS.  She and her husband just got home from a 45-day hospital stay.  Her prognosis is poor. 

I was getting groceries (at Aldi's) today when I got word that one of our teachers lost her dad this morning.  He was elderly, but it was unexpected. 

A girl that I used to work with is currently struggling against cancer.  She's just a few years older than me, a mother of three.  She is having surgery this week to try and remove some of the cancer.  They will be cutting her entire spine open to remove a mass and explore for tumors.  They will also be cutting into her front abdomen to remove more.  She is fighting with all she has.  Please, please say a prayer for Shealia this week.  Her surgery is scheduled for Thursday. 

This week I discovered Carrie Underwood's new song, "Temporary Home."  It's beautiful.  I've already purchased the soundtrack to it, planning to sing it at church soon.  The song is about how this earth is just our temporary home.  How true is that?  For some, it may last many many years.  Others may just grace this earth for what seems better measured in moments.  There is no lease on our lives here.  There is no known end date.  It could be today, tomorrow, or 50 years from now.  Our futures are uncertain.  One thing is certain; this is our temporary home.  Make plans for your future home.  The epitaph on my grandfather's grave reads, "Remember man as you pass by, as you are now so once was I.  As I am now, so you shall be.  So, prepare for death, and follow me."  If you take anything from any of my blogs, take that message.  We cannot control all the grief that befalls us in this life.  Some will suffer much more than others.  We can only rest safely sheltered in the arms of God. 

****I need to correct myself.  I heard from my friend again today about her sister-in-law.  She did have her cancer of the mouth removed.  Her MS is getting worse, though.  I mistakenly thought her prognosis wasn't good in regards to the cancer.  As we all know, MS is a sad prognosis in and of itself, though.  Still, it's good to know I was wrong about the cancer!!****