Those Moments That Linger

Kendall and Leah have GREAT Sunday School teachers - in fact, Kendall's teachers (a husband and wife in their 60's) are very well known and loved for their faithful service in the 3 year old class.  A few weeks ago, something very sad happened...the mom/wife unexpectedly passed away.  I have a hard time with how to handle situations like this - how to express to the loved ones left behind how sorry I am for them.  There seems to be no words appropriate for that situation to me.

This morning, as with most Sunday mornings, we were running a little behind to church...I was carrying Leah and Trenton was walking with Kendall in front of me.  I hear Leah say "that's Kendall's teacher" and sure enough, it was the widowed husband, a bright and contagious smile on his face.  Kendall, somehow hearing all this up ahead, runs back to her teacher, enormous smile on her face, hugs him with all her might and they take off together, hand in hand, to her class.

Something about this scene has stuck with me all day.  My heart breaks for this person who had his future changed so devastatingly overnight.  I cannot imagine going on 'as usual' - with a smile no less.  What beautiful faith he has and what amazing strength God has given him.

I have no words to express, yet Kendall - just a four year old - has realized what this 32 year old had not.  Sometimes a hug says so much more than any words possibly could.

Kendall may not remember this morning - maybe not even next week - but I will take it with me for a long time to come.