Roles are reversed this weekend. I am so accustomed to serving families in grief. It is a huge part of my life as a minister, and more importantly it truly is my calling. This weekend I am watching the good people in Ft. Collins, CO serve our extended family, as we try to come to grips with the reality of losing my 17 year old nephew. Neighbors are flooding in with enough food to feed a small army. Friends from church continue to come by the house, just to offer love and support. Our family is camped out on top of each other at two of Jan’s sisters homes. I usually prefer my personal space and lots of privacy, but I am actually loving the security of such intense togetherness. I had no idea when this week started that I would be in Colorado on Saturday to preparing to attend a funeral for a family member.

What am learning this weeekend in such stressful and extraordinary circumstances?

• You have heard it before, but I don’t mind saying it again. Family is important. Don’t take anyone for granted. Be grateful for every moment you have with those you love.
• Good friends are a gift from God. Need I say anymore?
• When people have faced a loss, don’t ask them what they need. Don’t offer to provide assistance. Just do it… Bring food, mow the lawn, go to the store, do the laundry. Look around and go to work.
• If you have fences that need to be mended with people, what are waiting for? Get it done. Get rid of your foolish pride and seek reconciliation today.
• Enjoy those you love. Value them! Take advantage of every single moment.

I am going to be ready to go back to work next week. I want to serve people in need like never before. I needed to be on the receiving end. Valuable lessons can be learned. Sometimes having a reversed role is a blessing straight from God.