"To the Well Organized Mind, Death is but the Next Great Adventure."

My first phone call of the day came at 2:06 PM. It was Matthew. He informed me that he was coming over and we were to go get lunch. Also, a kid with whom we go to church died in a car wreck this morning. Apparently he was on 385, hydroplaned, and went into oncoming traffic. I don't know all the details, but I have pretty much gathered that he died right on the spot. He was only 17 years old. How young.

Although I only vaguely knew him, this has had a sort of profound impact on me. Many of my friends were very close to him. I sympathize with so much with so many people right now.

I think of all of the things in life that I am to do. Go to school. Get some degrees. Have a career. Get married. Make babies. I have anticipated doing those things my entire life. I think of the plans I have (and I have many plans) and the things that I am wanting to be doing years from now. I think of how it would be if I could not do the things that I have been planning on doing for so long now. I think of what impact would be lost if none of my plans ever get executed. I think that it is not for me to decide.

I think that God understands everything. I think that trials, even the hardest ones, like death, are lovingly given to us by our Father in Heaven. I think He loves us more than we will be able to comprehend in this life. I think it is not ours to understand death, rather it is ours to deal with it.

In the Bible when Christ was on His way to heal the man Lazarus, he met Lazarus's sister. She wept, saying that Lazarus had died and had Christ been there earlier, she knows that He could have saved him. Although Christ later raises Lazarus from the dead, and He knew this, He weeps with her. He felt her pain along with her. That is what our God does. He sees the end from the beginning. He understands how everything will work out. And while it is hard for us, He will weep with us. He will feel our pain and will comfort us.

In a more non-religious sense, I have a deeper respect for the fragility of life. Our bodies can only take so much before they give out on us. We must be ready to take the plunge, even when we don't anticipate our diving in. Be ready for it. Love and live to the fullest.

My condolences go out to Corbin Chrisitensen's family. God bless you. I hope this time is made easier.