Linnea just sent an interesting email. She and Adam had been talking about the many changes each one in our family has experienced in the past year:

Nelson sold his landscaping business and rejoined Youth With A Mission full time, leading young people from many nations toward all-out commitments to Christ. Lars worked in Chicago for a year (after 15 years in San Diego) and is currently working back in California for six weeks, in his old insurance office. Linnea and Adam are caring for two children instead of one. Klaus has met the love of his life in our tiny Michigan town. Hans and Katy are raising three children instead of one. Louisa is immersed in Scripture at YWAM’s School of Biblical Studies. Birgitta is making A’s as a double major at the University of Iowa.”

Although change can be difficult and adjustments rocky, the above list is bursting with blessing. The devil came alongside a Christian family and said, “Watch me make a mess of this whole group. I’ll hit the father with an ugly, terminal disease, and that’ll cause the rest of them to spin into despair. Hopefully they’ll blame God for the whole mess.”

But that’s how our enemy operates, hoping to contaminate the testimonies of people who love the Lord. Better yet, he wants to turn them away from God completely. But as the biblical Joseph told his brothers in reference to their evil actions against him, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

Although my children have lost their father and I’ve lost my husband, something positive has happened, too. From Linnea’s email: “I get why the Bible says it’s better to mourn than to laugh. Thinking about death makes you live your life better.”

She makes a powerful point. As a result of losing someone precious to all of us, we find ourselves looking at those who are still with us, not just in the Nyman family but all around us. We’re done with thinking length of days is a given. No one is sure of tomorrow or even the rest of today. And from that thought, we find ourselves handling relationships with greater care.

“Did I thank that person for their kindness to me? Have I said ‘I love you’ lately? Did I speak out that compliment I was thinking? Should I apologize for my insensitivity yesterday?”

When it used to be easy to put things off till later, now we know later might not come. The wiser choice is to do it today. That goes for spending time in prayer, studying the one Book that’s everlasting, giving to others, and keeping short accounts with God.

As Linnea wrote, “It’s easier to keep perspective and focus on what matters” after we’ve mourned a great loss.

“Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties. After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us. A wise person thinks a lot about death, while a fool thinks only about having a good time.” (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4)