It's always difficult being far from family when one moves abroad albeit for a short while. One considers the things you will miss out on and all the "what ifs" that could happen, but when something DOES happen, then it's really difficult.
About 3 weeks ago my brother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer and has begun his chemo. It's a scary path for him and his family, and a journey that the whole family travel together. I have been so moved by the love and concern of their friends for them - the meal plans, helping with lifts for the children with sport and hobbies, the just-being-there-when-you-need-them friends, and all those far and wide who are praying for them all on a daily basis and sending so much encouragement.Family is sometimes more than blood, it's all those who care enough to take time off from their life to help you get on with yours.
One thing that I am finding a little difficult in this process is seeing/hearing some of the things that posters / music (etc) say about God in this situation. Some of these seem to suggest that God SENDS sickness to prove something about himself, as though our sickness is part of his plan. He doesn't send sickness, just like he doesn't send earthquakes, famine or any atrocity to punish anyone or prove any point. He is not the originator of any evil or harmful thought against us. He loves us. What Father would make their child ill to prove that they can "help" them? Not the God I know and love.
The world is not the way that God made it to be, it is fallen, and shit happens. That's how I see it. But always, through all the shit, He is there.
He is unswervingly, unfalteringly, unendingly holding up our arms and pouring out his love.
This is the God who I know and love.
