Missed

Over the past Christmas holiday we visited family in our northern home. The snow was thick and the roads glazed with ice. There were a few serious crash sites that we passed, vehicles damged, rolled over, rooftops flattened. We prayed for everyone involved, like we faithfully do whenever we see accidents. We know it could easily be us because we remember when it was, almost 8 years ago.

When I learned of my Uncle Arnold's brain tumor that had returned and started to grow we tried to plan a visit on our way home. It would have to be quick as he was already tired and losing strength every day. The more we discussed it, however, the less likely it seemed that such a broad detour from our route homeward would be possible. Not knowing the roads and especially the weather it could be worse than when we'd come so we had to make the tough decision and stay our original course.

This morning my Uncle Arnold passed into eternity.

Dear God, if I missed Your prompting to see my Uncle when there was time I ask that You would forgive me for not going when I had the opportunity. I pray that Your presence would be close and a comfort to all those who are now grieving their own missed chances to hug him when his arms still worked, talk with him when he could still speak, sing with him when his voice was still clear and strong, laugh with him when his wit was still razor sharp, and pray with him when the blessed light of his life here was still burning brightly.

Glory