Same place, different view.

The same window as Saturday, from the same ward (Stroke unit), but a very different looking sky. Everything in this life can change so quickly, everything except God.

A day of thinking about, and feeling but a tiny fraction of, other people’s pain. Though I can never feel it quite like they do themselves. Only He can. Both people in this hospital, and people I love outside. How could we cope if we didn’t know He is holding the people we love.

There’s lots of pain to be seen here. A lady lying in her house after a stroke, for 3 days before she was found. A young man who loses his ability to walk, feed himself and have children in an instant. Another who loses his home because he can’t afford care for his elderly mother.

And there are moments of beauty too. Celebrating someone sitting in a chair for 60 seconds unaided, because that’s a huge milestone. Visits from relatives outside through the window - an elderly lady meeting her nephew’s daughter for the first time. Seeing families stick by and keep loving throughout all the ups and downs and changes.

Father, be near to those who have lost today. Let them know your nearness especially in this time.