Sunday, January 16, 2011

Prayers and a Tiny White Coffin

I was watching the news yesterday, viewing the disaster in Brazil. These past few days there have been floodings in Australia and other countries, a tragic shooting in Arizona, mudslides in Brazil, and myriads of other tragedies on a much smaller scale. When I turned on the TV, a picture of a man from Brazil was on the screen. He was holding the tinest snow white coffin. It must have been 18 inches long, maybe a bit longer, but not much. The announcer was saying, "...and even babies have been caught up in the floods."
I prayed immediately for these parents, for I know the pain of child loss. I prayed for the thousands of others who have lost so much, or all they had, this week. My finite mind cannot understand such pain, but I can pray for these people.
And, I can change my thinking.
When I need to do a household chore, I will forget that my back hurts, do it, and thank God I have a home to attend to.
When I pay for a medical bill, instead of complaining that insurance should have paid more, I will gladly write the check and thank God I have medical care and health insurance.
When I get a glass of tap water and think bottled would taste better , I will thank God I have water at all, and clean water at that.
When I have a peanut butter sandwich and wish I felt well enough to make a home cooked meal, I will thank God I have something to eat, period.
I am so spoiled. I have SO much, and need to fully appreciate what I do have.
Yes, I have buried a child, but I will remember the other man the announcer mentioned - the one who lost all four of his children, had to dig each out of the mudslide, and walked for miles to take each to be buried.
Lord, I thank you immensely for everything I have. I can't do much for these people of tragic circumstances, but I can pray for them and I promise to do that faithfully.

15 comments:

Caroline said...

What a beautiful post. So true , I know myself the silly things people complain about there is always someone worse off. My children like to watch the evening news with me especially Ridge. We have been praying and trying to best answer there questions on everything. It's hard to see all the bad things that some must walk through but praying for them like you said is something we can do.

Marie W said...

I completely understand Sarita. Someone close to me is in the same situation as I am - partner unemployed, expecting and struggling. She has put things into perspective for me. As I compare both our circumstances, I see that mine is far better. I have learned to be more appreciative and thankful for the little I have.

Kathy said...

SO TRUE SARITA, PRAYING ALSO! GOD DOES HAVE HIS OWN WAY OF MAKING US SEE THINGS CLEARLY.

Unknown said...

Hi Sarita!
Thanks so much for stopping by.
What a beautiful message and words to ponder and remember. I know I often do take so much of the blessings I have been given for granted. You remined me that I need to Keep my Lord first and foremost and be thankful in everything!
Have a blessed week my friend!
AND, YES you are entered in my giveaway, for sure!

Blessings...Lorena

Unknown said...

How true! Our perspective changes everything!

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Beautiful post. We often take so many things for granted. We need to be thankful in all things given to us from God.

Once A Mother said...

i came here to thank you for the beautiful card you sent me. thank you so much.

this is such a poignant post sarita. beautifully written.

Kristin said...

You have such a beautiful heart, Sarita. This same thing has been on my mind lately too, about how much I forget to be grateful for. I think that just realizing it puts us on the right track to better serve the Lord.

Mackenzie's Mommy said...

Amen!

Jennifer Ross said...

That was so good Sarita. Full of so much wisdom and a positive way to look at our "world."

Thank you for holding me in prayer. It's just that time again for me. Hopefully, it passes quickly.

Love,
Jenny

Trena said...

Beautifully written ♥

I wanted to stop by and let you know that I passed along a blog award to you. You are an amazing woman :)

trennia said...

You made a great statement!
Sometimes I get so fed-up and then I feel guilty because your right at least we have a home to clean, dishes to wash because we had food to eat,etc...thank you for the reminders :)
Great post!

Misty said...

Beautifully written!

xo Misty

Crystal Theresa said...

beautiful, Sarita. thank you for this reminder. xoxo

Holly said...

Oh Sarita, how heartbreaking :( You are right in that we have SO much to be thankful for. We are spoiled in this country. Rich beyond what we think.

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