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I heard on the news today that a young man, in an apparent suicide, plunged to his death from a UW Green Bay building this morning.  My heart broke for the pain that led him to take his own life, as well as for his family.  Nothing — absolutely nothing — should ever be that dire as to lead to such despair!  Bad times end.  Pain abates.  Broken hearts heal.  Lush, green spring always follows even the coldest, bleakest winter … always.

 

If any good can come out of this tragedy, maybe it’s to help the rest of us put our challenges in perspective.  As some of you know, I’ve been locked in what seems like a winner-take-all, best two-out-of-3,000 arm-wrestling contest with God for weeks now.  I’ll spare you the details, but I have found myself worrying and getting frustrated (more like furious) over God’s apparent lack of attention to my situation. 

 

And yet, today, as I asked myself what could have prompted that young man to take his own life … my own words echoed in my ears.  “Okay, God, good point.  Your problems aren’t that bad.  Stop complaining.”  And then, to my total delight, I also heard from one of my daughters and my daughter-in-law this morning.  Joyful, cheerful, warm conversations.  I cherish my blessings.  God, you win … oh, and thanks for the challenges.  I’ll try to take them more in stride from here on. — jri       

 

“Don’t be afraid.  Just believe.”

        –    Jesus Christ

               (Mark 5:36)