Realizations...

This, this, this and this have all occurred within the last month or so, and while I don't know these individuals on a personal level, I do know people who knew and loved each of them. Each case was different, and yet, have altogether given me a very clear reminder that life is "but a vapor." I've struggled between feeling sadness for those left behind as well as a significant amount of panic and anxiety over my own death and what that would mean for me as well as my children. I don't have anything truly profound to say here, but it's been weighing on me so heavily, I didn't feel like I couldn't at least say something about it. The three women were all approximately my age and all three left behind young children. I have been grappling with the idea that I feel entitled to a long and healthy life, and yet, nowhere does God promise us any such thing. Youth and health are something I have always taken for granted. My marriage and children are blessings I have taken for granted. Last week, I found myself changing diapers with thankfulness that I had the physical ability to do so. I woke up each morning, truly thankful for another day that the Lord had given me, because these deaths have reminded me that each day really could be my last. I feel such sadness for those of you who are grieving these losses, and thank you for sharing each story.