Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Why do children get sick?

I know a young girl very sick with cancer.  Things are not looking good.  I am not close with her or her family but I've seen her at Mass many times and had the pleasure of being in her company during Children's Liturgy.  She's a beautiful, faithful young lady always smiling with what seems to be very limited time.  I am sad and overwhelmed and inspired and confused and motivated and hopeful and determined.  My heart is cracking for her mother and father and family and close friends.

We are told that God listens very intently when children pray.  My children and I prayed for our friend last night.  Jane asks, "Is she dying, Mommy?"  I told her yes and she said "Why?"
Thy will be done. 
Thy will be done. 
Thy will be done.
Faith: to believe in something when you have absolutely no reason to.
Thy will be done.  Surrender.

In my faith I believe sick and dying children are a beautiful part if a plan I am not smart enough to comprehend.  Sick children are good and precious and potent purveyors of life's best deepest lessons.  It's our job to listen and to notice and to act.

Tonight we prayed for our friend from St. Paul's.  Tomorrow I will remember her and her family and my children will make cards for her and be still and quiet and faithful.

So I didn't get the job.  Thy will be done.
So I made a tough choice and am filled with questions.  Faith.  Thy will be done.
So I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  Patience.  Thy will be done.
So my children never met my Mother.  Surrender. 
And will hardly remember my Dad.  Trust.  Thy will be done.

Our friend might not see November in her body.  Thy will be done.  Thank you for letting me know her. 

Trust.  Faith.  Patience.  Surrender.  Lean on the love that surrounds us.  With these tools we can finish any race, competition, pose, project, or difficult process.  Ask any child you know to pray for Trust.  Faith.  Patience. Surrender.  The world needs it and our little sweet friend needs it.  Out of the mouths of babes...  Sadly, we lose some.  Hope.

Thy will be done.  It is good.  Faith told me that.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

These times really bring us to a point of surrender and trust. I'm so sorry for the little one, her family and all of you who support her. I hope she is comfortable and well-loved.
Thanks for this today.

ShutUpandRun said...

This is just what I needed to read today my friend. And everyday. Thy will be done. Faith. All of it.

ihaverun said...

Thank you for this post. I have a friend battling breast cancer and losing the fight. I needed this reminder.