Some people have said to me in my illness that you never know–you could get hit by a bus and die before the cancer takes you. I am never really quite sure how that is supposed to be comforting. Most of them either do not know or have forgotten that I know someone whose sister died after getting hit by a school bus. This makes me listen to the news differently.  Thus this morning when I awoke early again because of the jet lag, I reached for the radio and clicked on the CBC news. That is when I heard about the hit and run accident which killed a cyclist. I immediately prayed for that person, the family, and friends of that person. I did a few things and then managed to fall back asleep.

It was after noon when I opened my work email. Starting at the top, I opened the messages. I read one that said that the EAP team would meet with anyone needing to debrief the incident. What incident? I wondered. My eyes wandered down to the next unopened email with the name of a staff person. As I read it, I was stunned to find out that the cyclist who had been hit and passed away was probably a man who worked at my building. I had this confirmed later in the day. My prayers were for someone I knew, albeit not well.

We never know when we pray what the effect will be. Tonight my thoughts once again turn to this man and those who loved him. May they know the comfort of God. Life is short and you never know when your time is up. Live wisely.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Do you ever pray for something you learn about in the news?

Is your life in order should you get hit by that proverbial bus?

Prayer

Dear God, hear our prayer to keep our loved ones safe. Life is fragile and can hang by a thread some days more than others. May we never take for granted the privilege we are given. Amen.