Cancer. Perspective.

There's a lot I could blog about today...anticipating Spring, my blondes fighting in class, handing out 60's instead of 90's when it comes to grades, Ali cutting her 2-yr molars, Zoey having issues when people "break the rules..."

But instead, my heart is heavy for my friends today.  I have two close, close friends who are both battling different forms of cancer.  They're married.  They have children of their own.  I have another friend who has a son waiting to meet his Mommy and Daddy a half a world away; that being held up by a piece of paper.  I have more than a handful of friends who are in marital (or ex-marital) hell, not sure which way to turn next.

One of my friends who is battling cancer came to tell me not long ago and immediately starting praying for ME, as I cried on her shoulder.  I kept thinking, "Something is wrong with this picture."  But in the moment, you just do what you do.  Most of the time, that's enough. 

I don't believe God causes bad things to happen, but I do believe He allows them.  I believe He ordains them and I believe He is in control of them.  Does that make Him evil or mean or uncaring?  Some would say yes; in the middle of trials, many would say yes.  I believe His will doesn't make Him evil or mean or uncaring.  It makes Him sovereign and just and constant.  And thank goodness someone bigger than me has the things that are also bigger than me under control.  Thank goodness He sent Jesus to die on our behalf, every day, when we feel like dying...or even should die based on ___________.

Perspective says eternity counts.  Perspective says this affliction or quarrel or "unfairness" or anxiousness will pass, maybe even in the next 5 minutes.  What will remain?