And then everything changes

One of my best friends recently received a crushing diagnosis for her newborn son. Thanks to God, his condition is fixable, but it will be a tough road of waiting, surgery, and recovery. Needless to say, my friend and her husband are devastated and shocked, still trying to wrap their minds around what they've been told. It's one of those moments that changes everything. In life, there are many of these moments, where the trajectory of your life suddenly changes with one little word, one little decision, one little test.

He gets down on one knee, you say yes... And then everything changes.
The phone rings to tell you your loved one is gone... And then everything changes.
A second blue line appears... And then everything changes.
A car runs a red light... And then everything changes.
A baby cries in the delivery room... And then everything changes.
A man enters a school with a gun... And then everything changes.
You open the door to His knocking... And then everything changes.
A doctor delivers some test results... And then everything changes.

Many of life's defining moments are positive, but some of them are not. In those moments, it's incredibly hard to see beyond the pain, let alone think about being able to move past it. But we are promised that we won't be alone, that our pain- though intense- is temporary. And we're blessed with good memories to recall in the dark times.

As my friend continues to absorb what is going on and plan for the future, I want her to know that though the path seems dark and winding, He will never leave her or forsake her; He will gather her to Himself and mend her broken heart; and He already knows her son and has a perfect plan for his life.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified ... for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. -Deut. 31:6

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; 

his understanding has no limit. -Ps. 147:3-5

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." -Jer. 29:11

If you know any parents facing craniosynostosis surgery for their little one, please direct them here for support: http://craniocarebears.org/