Life Changes (You)

I think at any given time, we are surrounded by people, whether they be close friends, acquaintances, family members, or even ourselves, who are going through life changes.  Recently, I have been confronted by the life altering situations of a few friends.  I sit with them, talk to them, discuss their next step, what do I know about any of it.  I am overwhelmed by the information I am handed, by the confidences given to me.  I am awed by our friendship.

The thing is, most of these life changes are not so great.  We’re talking divorces and separations and miscarriages, big stuff.  They share the intimate details of their frustrations and sadness’.  They tell me they have lost hope and faith and don’t know what else to do.  I am underwhelmed by my place in this world, by my capacity for helping.  I sit and listen.

I know that I am getting older, that the issues are getting bigger.  The time for innocence is long past.  I know that during one of these conversations I looked over at my children playing and knew that that was as innocent as it would ever be.  I know I said a silent prayer for my friend sitting across from me, that the divorce she contemplates won’t be necessary, because her daughter, running around laughing with my kids, well, her innocence is at stake too.

Maybe it was appropriate that the Bible verse today was, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 KJV)”.  Maybe in the end that’s the only thing any of us can truly count on, that if we are working towards God’s purpose, in His name, and because we love Him, than yes, it is all going to work out.  I am going to have to make this my daily prayer if I am going to be listening to any more of these life stories.  I am definitely going to have to give them up to God, because I know I am at a loss.