Would've, Could've, Should've

This week marks the first year anniversary of my nephew Micky’s birth, and death. He only lived 66 hours and one minute- every second was cherished but honestly, devastating. This week I’ve been with all my sisters and their families and I keep thinking, “Micky SHOULD have been here playing ball with all these cousins”, “Micky SHOULD have been here crawling around with my baby and snuggling his momma.”

But he’s not, so now what?

Is this how Jonah felt? He ran away from God, away from the mission to Nineveh. But eventually He changed. He preached repentance to the people of Nineveh and they repented! Jonah was surprised! He was angry! These people didn’t deserve to have God’s love and mercy. They SHOULD have been punished, they SHOULD have been denied grace.

But they were not, so now what?

What do we do when what we want doesn’t turn out the way we want it to? Micky died even though we thought he should live, and the people of Nineveh turned their hearts to God even though Jonah thought they should be punished.  

Contrary things happen because God knows better. His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts higher than our thoughts. How do I know?

Because when Micky died we COULD

Mourn with those that mourn,

Learn about God’s plan for all His children,

Appreciate our own mortality and that of our families,

Feel God’s love for us, and his sadness for us too,

Search for His love in the scriptures, in the temple, in prayer

Come closer to HIM

Know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to bind us all.

Jonah was angry, yes, but God knew what needed to happen. He knew that the people of Nineveh would turn to Him. He knew that an entire generation could be saved and turn their hearts to Him! He knew then, and He knows now.

We would be wise to come unto Him

We could know His will if we ask in prayer

We should trust in His plan.

Because He knows more, and He loves us. He loves you.