Grieving (5/3/04)

About 8:30pm last Wednesday, I was sitting in the living room playing Uno with my 2 oldest children (Bennett and Abby). The phone rang and a friend of Abby's asked her what was going on out in front of our house. It was a little shocking to realize that we were totally unaware there had been a car accident directly in front of our house. Abby's friend knew because they had to detour around the area. We went out on our porch and saw police tape running through our front yard. It was readily apparent that a bicyclist had been hit by a minivan. By Thursday evening, we had learned that the bicyclist was the 15 year old boy that used to live right next to us. We had also learned that he died from his injuries. The incident was apparently an accident. The boy rode his bike right out in front of the van seemingly not aware of the danger. He entered the road from behind a parked car so it was too late for the driver to stop.

I've been thinking about this incident on and off since it happened. There are constant reminders out front. There is spray paint on the road from the post-accident investigation. There is a curb-side candle memorial that has been tended by the neighborhood the last several nights. I can't even imagine what it would feel like to lose one of my children.

This week, our fasting and prayer topic will focus on grief and the grieving process. The family and friends of the 15 year old boy are now grieving. So is the unfortunate driver and his family. Typically, you don't have to look far to find someone who is grieving some sort of loss. In fact, you may be grieving some loss as you read this. As we fast this Wednesday, let's pray for all those people out there who are grieving. Let's pray that we can be a comfort to them. And for those lost grievers out there that don't yet know Christ, let's pray that they would be found and would come to know the hope and certainty of His grace.

Have a great week and a great fast.
Your brother,
Bob