When Does Life Hurt?

When does life hurt?
Is it when you realize your sister has been frantically trying to get ahold of you for hours when you were in school?
When you call back and she says Gampa is dying?
When you call your mom and she is already on the road?
Does it hurt when your heart sinks and you can only think of driving there as fast and soon as you can?

It hurts.
When your Mom is at the end of her rope.
When your grandma is staring at the floor holding back the tears.
 When you listen to your grandpa fighting for each breath.
 When you barely remember him a stronger man, over a decade ago.

 It helps.
When classmates turn in very important projects for you.
When they tell your instructors.
When the instructors make themselves available.
When your Residence Life Coordinator makes a few calls and covers shifts for you.
When friends babysit your fluffy babies and fish until you return.
When floor mates just give you great big hugs.
When the RAs come with enouraging words.
When you have your own car, and the weather cooperates.
When your friends and family are just a text or phone call away.
When your boyfriend just hugs you tight, and makes himself easy to call or text through his busy schedule. When people pray.

When they remind you that God is there beside you.

 Holding your hand.