The Loss of a Child

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 2:3-4

This weekend was a tough one in our household, though not as tragic as the title of this blog suggests. Our oldest Selah came down with the tummy flu. Our night was spent changing sheets, cleaning her up, praying with her, and rocking her back to sleep after each episode, followed by rocking her little sister back to sleep as she was woken up in the process.

So, this morning was quite different from our usual routine. Rather than rushing to get ready and heading out to the gym, I let the girls sleep in. It was very strange to have a quiet household. There was no Curious George music playing on the TV, no juice cups being spilled, no banana pieces being tossed onto the floor, just peace and quiet... and rain. So, I took my time in my devotions, spent quite a bit of time in prayer, took an extra long shower, and got dressed and ready all in one sitting without having a baby on my hip. As nice as all this should have been, the thought occurred to me of how sad I would be if this was my day every morning, if my kids all of the sudden were not here.

Perhaps it was because I had just read of the tragedy in Utah where a father under scrutiny for his wife's disappearance took his life and the lives of his two small boys this weekend. Maybe it was just my fearful tendencies creeping up in me, but I took a moment to reflect and pray for protection for my children and for comfort for all of those who have lost a child. Whether it be a miscarriage or some other tragedy, a child lost is devastating. So, today I hope we can join in prayer for all of those who have experienced this kind of loss, asking our Father to comfort them and help them get through the day to day life and difficult moments of grief, finding comfort and healing that only He can provide. Please join me.

Gracious and Loving Father, We come to you today lifting up all of those Moms and Dads who have lost a child, whether recently or many years ago. Lord, we know there is no love quite like that which You give us for our children. And while life must go on and You have a plan for the time ahead, that missing piece will never be filled in their hearts until they are once again holding their baby in their arms in Your eternal kingdom. Until that beautiful and glorious day arrives, we ask Lord for Your loving arms to be wrapped around their hearts, for Your peace that passes understanding to infiltrate their minds in those moments of utter grief, and for the comfort and healing only You can provide in those moments of missing the sounds, the smiles, and the hugs. Please surround them with love and fellowship as a source of Your love and comfort here on earth. Please protect our children with Your mighty right hand. Please outstretch Your arms to all of those little ones in heaven right now waiting for Mommy and Daddy to join them in Your perfect timing. Please give them the hug that their parents are longing to give at this very moment and let them know who it is from. We love You Lord and trust in Your sovereignty, even when it is so difficult. We look forward with rejoicing hearts to the day where once again these families are whole in Your presence. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.