Imperfection....

This morning, I awoke to the sad news that the child of a friend of a friend had passed away.  Her parents have taken a very public journey since before the she was born, one which the family shared through a blog and on facebook over the past few years.  I started following their life story originally because my friend would post updates, and I was praying for the family as they came to grips with the overwhelming situation they faced.  I have continued following over the years because their faith has inspired me and touched my heart so deeply.

Annalise was not expected to live more than a few minutes, and instead she lived for three years.  She had many medical problems, and her life, and that of her family, was difficult in a way that few of us will ever understand.  Her parents have the strongest faith and grit and determination; I can barely comprehend what they have been through.  What a sacrifice, and what a gift they have shared with everyone who has followed their story.

The thing that I find most inspiring about them is how they viewed the possibilities.  When told their child had no chance, they looked at the time they could have and planned it as positively as possible.  When minutes turned to hours, which turned to days and then weeks and months, they pushed the doctors for therapy to improve the quality of their child's life for whatever time they had her.  It was never about what she couldn't do, but rather, helping her maximize her time on this earth to do whatever she could, for however long they had her.

The glass has always been half full for them, even to these last couple of days, when they slowly realized they were going to lose her.

They have inspired thousands of people with their faith and courage in the face of the hardest battle life gives us, watching our child suffer.  It is impossible to know how many people have found their faith through the story of this family, and how many lives have been changed because of their courage.  They have been steadfast, and dedicated to the God who created their child, just as she is.

I take comfort from Psalm 139:14 this morning.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

When a baby is born, we want worldly perfection.  But God is unlimited, and his plan is perfect, even though we are not and never can be.  We may not understand the purpose, but some how, some way, even the imperfections are part of his plan.

Today I am grateful for the imperfections which revealed the faith and courage of people I admire and respect so much.  It is easy to be faithful when everything is going well.  But it is a true testament to remain faithful when life is challenging.  I am grateful for those who show us the way.

Dear Lord, thank you for the imperfections which reveal your perfect plan for our lives.  Please comfort those who are mourning this day, and bring them the peace that can be found only in you.  May all who are weary find hope in your loving presence.   Amen.