Saturday, July 26, 2008

My Heart Will Choose To Say

One of my long-standing best friends is getting married tomorrow. Today I had the joy of being at her rehearsal, which was followed by a barbeque at her new home. I got to meet her soon-to-be husband, her new puppy, and the new house in which she’ll begin a new chapter in life. I have the blessing of celebrating new beginnings with her today, and I am so excited for her.

While at the barbeque, I received a text message from another of my best friends, Annabel. She was writing to bring me news of a mutual friend of ours. This friend was also engaged to be married soon, and today her fiancé passed away unexpectedly. My relationship with this friend has been strained over the years- the reasons for the strain are trivial and not worth mentioning. My heart is broken for her.

In one day, I celebrate joyously with my friend. In the same day, I ache for another. One friend stands at the wake of a new beginning, with everything to look forward to. Another is blindsided in the wake of loss, and sees her daydreamt plans slip away from her. I cannot begin to imagine.

As I’ve sifted through the thoughts and feelings that have crossed me today, I keep hearing the lyrics to the song Blessed Be Your Name.

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away. How true those words are, and how easily we forget. Today I feel helpless, as often I do when people break. And so I choose to pray, as often I do when I feel helpless. I pray for my friend that is hurting, that she will praise His name in her brokenness. I pray for my friend that is celebrating, that she will praise His name in all her blessings. And I pray for myself, that I will praise His name for all that I have, all that I’ve lost, and whatever tomorrow brings with it.

1 comment:

Angie @ Flibbertigibberish said...

Oh, Molly. I'm sorry that your heart felt so tugged in different directions. What a rollercoaster. That song really speaks to me, especially in the last year. I'm glad you've also found it to be a reminder that God is good and faithful, even in dark times. I'm so sorry for your friend (and rejoicing for the other!).

P.S. I'm catching up on my blog-reading... so forgive my late comments. You're about to be bombarded by them as I backtrack!