I am reminded once again how fragile life is…how we are not guaranteed our next breath.

Just this week…days before the holiday season begins…so many friends are suffering heartache and loss. The results and effects of…cancer; a brain aneurism; an accident.

One moment we’re shuffling schedules of carpool and meetings; suddenly, we’re on our knees wondering how the world tipped upside-down in one split-second.

I question…Why, God? Why the heartache? These losses don’t seem like they’re for our good or your glory.

One phrase keeps playing over and over in my mind: He has numbered our days. For some reason, it makes me understand that it’s okay to be on our knees…to crawl around in the pain…to agonize over loss.

Although it doesn’t feel like it right now, we’ll once again stand and walk…although it may be with a limp; in the meantime, God longs to meet us in our suffering.

Bible verses keep rolling through my head, yet to share just one or two seems like applying a band-aid to a gaping wound. It’s now when our faith carries us through, trusting in the ever-abiding presence of the One who loves us deeply and unconditionally. He can handle our questions, our anger, our sorrow.

Yes…He has numbered our days. And He is faithful to provide new mercies and abundant grace.