Mr. Brightside

I am starting to fail in my quest to blog on a more regular basis, so I will attempt to counteract this with quality over quantity.

A little less than a week ago, a tragic accident occurred in East Idaho. Four men drowned while boating in the American Falls reservoir. In a state full of lakes created by dams, most avid boaters understand the risks of odd and strong undertows in these man made lakes. We are not fully aware of the circumstances surrounding the accident, but this much we do know.

On board the boat were the four men and their five children. The men were not wearing life jackets. One of the men jokingly pushed another overboard. When he started to struggle, two of the other men jumped in to help. After a brief time, none of them resurfaced. The last man on the boat, then grabbed a life jacket, holding it only in his hands. He was the last victim. The oldest child of 9 called 911. The bodies of the 4 men were recovered a couple of days later.

There are many unanswered questions. We know that alcohol was on board, but was it a factor? Were the kids wearing life jackets? The more you think of these questions, the more tragic the story becomes. I am in no way trying to brighten the moods of these families and especially the children involved. My heart goes out to them and aches at the thought of being raised without a father.

What I hope to paint in this blog is an idea that in the infinite wisdom of our Father in Heaven, this accident actually plays to the benefit of those involved. We all know that our life is temporary. God has a plan for us. How are we to know that these four men were not going to called to return to God at that time regardless of the circumstances? What if this moment was simply their time to go? Can you think of another way that you would like to remember you father besides as a noble hero? I realize that these families lives would be better with these men in them, but if they had to be gone, why not have them pass into the great beyond as selfless and strong men, diving into darkness to rescue another individual?

Another point worth mentioning is that our world is full of flawed people with corrupt personalities. 50% of couples get divorced, 25% of all Americans will suffer from an addiction. Did the Lord prevent the abuse of a spouse, or child from this accident? Will these children grow up stronger, focused, wise and committed to family life as a result of this accident? Will they save another persons life when they reach adulthood simply because they are obsessive about wearing life jackets? We must never forget that nature of God's wisdom is infinite while ours is limited to our own worldly understanding and our small comprehension of the nature of God.

I express my deepest sympathies to these families and pray for the ease of acceptance in the passing of their fathers. I hope they will grow up as Mr.Brightside, seeing the fortunate and small blessings in the most tragic of circumstances. I hope these children knew how much their fathers loved them. I hope that this one act is not the only heroic thing that these children will remember about their fathers.