Year #1

It has been exactly one year since the passing of one of my former students. We had a celebration at our school with his classmates, teachers, and friends and family tonight just to share and remember his life and the fruit of his faith. What a sad and happy time. I wanted to reflect on what I was feeling this time last year so here's what I posted on this blog:

Psalm 23 and Comfort
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I have everything I need.

2 He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.

3 He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.

4 Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.

6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.

That Psalm has provided comfort for thousands of years and now it comforts me. I lost my first student yesterday in an automobile accident. I had him almost three years ago, when he was in 6th grade. He was a good math student, and he enjoyed playing on the JV baseball team. His mother is a Christian and his father a Muslim. I'm not sure where that puts him. He was only 13 years old. His mother is still in ICU from the accident. I really don't know what to say right now. I'm in shock.

Father, I ask that You give some peace and comfort to his family. Surround them with believers that have the right words to say, or not say.

One year later, both his parents are baptized believers and members at my church. They have been regulars at my Sunday morning Bible class and they are very active at our school still. They have more strength and courage than I could ever imagine having after the loss of their only child. May God continue to grant them strength and courage in the years to come, only He can give them the peace that passes all understanding.