All Things

Kate squeezed sand between her toes as she watched a young mother swing her daughter around and catapult her into the water. The girl giggled and called out for more. Kate looked at her Mom and remembered when she was strong and healthy enough to do the same thing with her. Now if Mom wanted to get in the water at the beach, she had to crawl through the sand until she reached the water's edge. Walking was just too painful most days.

Mom patted the blanket with a smile, and Kate curled up next to her. "Mom? Why do you have this awful sickness? Why can't the doctors help you? I've been praying every day, but it seems like God isn't listening!"

Mom stroked Kate's silky hair and sighed. "I don't know, sweetie, but I'm so thankful you're praying for me. Don't give up! Remember what we read in Romans this morning about God always being with us and using everything in our lives for good?"

"I remember," Kate said. "It's just that all of this is so bad!"

Mom nodded sadly. "It is. But we h