In the life of the lemmings

I wanted to post something fun and witty about the family trip to Minnesota for a wedding over this past weekend, but I want to post something more authentic first (thanks Aly!). (The Minnesota travel stories will come along shortly!)

Here is an email I got from my friend Kate in response to an email about my sister (Christy had surgery to have some weird nodules removed from her neck yesterday - possible cancer, but probably not); Brandon's (Christy's husband) step father had surgery to remove cancer from his shoulder and thyroid yesterday, but the doctor found a lot more than anyone bargained for; but really, just about my life in general:

Brian,
I am so sorry. Your family seems like it is always trying out for a soap opera real life season. But you always come out smelling like roses in the end. We will keep all of you in our prayers. Let us know if there is anything we can do. We can't wait to see you next weekend.
Katie

For the last couple years, life has been a wee bit of a rollercoaster. Personally, we (Jen, Morgan, and I - mostly me thank goodness) have had some just plain weird health issues. Now the weirdness is spreading!

When the medical mysteries have "only affected my life" I haven't had any real problems with them (typical reaction is/was: "well that sucks...now what do we do?"), but now my extended family is being put through the meat grinder with medical maladies.
I try to have the same reaction because I know from the bottom of my heart that they didn't do anything to cause the situation, it is just one of those trials that happens (you know, the ole "shit happens").

So with the most recent news, the soap opera "Living with the Lemmings" is starting a new conflict this week. I am confronted with the typical questions: "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and "If God has a plan (God's will) for everyone's life, then why pray?"

I understand (reasoning part of my brain) the power of prayer and that people are put through trials to make it through the storm and provide/bear witness to the power of God (His love, healing, etc.). I also acknowledge that life sucks some days and it is those days that I have to listen a little harder for the sound of my guardian angels (I really think I have an entire squadron out there just for me) singing and blocking the attack of darkness...

Bottom Line - I handle "life's curve balls" better when they are thrown at me; it hurts more when people around me are hurting! Please keep my family (immediate and extended) in your thoughts and prayers. I'll do the same for you, ok!?!