Thoughts on a tragedy

A young mom, much younger than me, died. Her oldest daughter and my youngest were in the same class years ago. Cancer took this beautiful young mom away from her three young kids.

I thought to myself, if this was me what would I want my kids to know? What would I want to leave them?

Thankfully, my kids are much older and I’ve had many years to teach, love and encourage them. But what would I have said to them when they were young, if I knew I was going to leave them on their own?

I thought about this long and hard. What jewels of wisdom could I bestow?

After a bit I realized it was the same message that I settled on as my parenting goal. Years ago, I decided the message I most wanted my kids to learn was the importance of knowing and loving God. Followed closely by the awareness of how much He loves them. The first message was most important to me. I wanted them to understand that this is a choice and an action they can take. The second, God’s love – it is there regardless of what they choose. It is a given!

All the advice I could muster was subservient to this message. Love God and know He loves you.

For my part I mourn for this lost life and for her family that has to face life without her.

Psalm 34:11 Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.