sanctuary

today i found out that someone in our extended church family had passed away over the weekend.  he had been sick for awhile, but it is never easy to hear of someone you know passing, especially when a wife and 4 children are left behind.

you know that part in the obituary where it says, he/she is "survived by" so and so?  that sentence always gets to me.  i often think about how these people pick up the pieces, find a way to carry on.

i was stuck in a storm driving home from work tonight.  it came abruptly, and brought with it torrential downpours and flooding.  as i drove on towards home, the clouds parted, sky brightened, and rain diminished until i reached dry ground again.

perhaps that is how survivors endure their loss.. by believing that there is a stretch of road untouched by rain, with the promise of home and solace.