Tentatio

Suffering. According to Martin Luther, suffering is part of a Christian's spiritual life. We pray, we meditate, we suffer. I hate suffering. It is in suffering, however, that I am driven to prayer and meditation. It is in suffering, that I am driven to the cross of Christ and the forgiveness of sins that was accomplished there.

It is also in suffering that I see the blessings that God has given me so clearly. When I have lost yet another child, Connor and Sophia seem so very precious to me. I cannot help but kiss their little faces at every opportunity and frequent declarations of love are a must. In the midst of my grief, I am reminded that Ben will do nearly anything to bring me joy and how much he hates for me to be sad. It is also when I am suffering that I am shown how much my extended family and friends care about me, Ben, and the kids.

Although I must remain on this Earth that is rife with sin and sorrow, those who have gone before me to the kingdom of my Lord know only joy. Yes, I must remain, but I take solace that I need suffer here a short time as I await an eternity without tears, sadness, or death.

Amen. Come Lord Jesus.