Many people often wonder why bad things happen to good people, and I’ve been thinking about this recently. My Uncle Carl, who I deeply admire, had a terrible accident last week. He was working in the wood lot with his son when his hand got caught in a log splitter, and the injury was so severe that his left hand had to be amputated.
My uncle is not a young man, but he’s always been very active and skilled with his hands. Losing one of them is a significant change. This news devastated me, and I’m still shaken by it, especially considering how much worse the accident could have been. My entire family is upset, especially Uncle Carl’s wife and children, especially my cousin John, who was there when it happened.
Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?
In moments like these, we often ask, “Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?” This isn’t just a cliché; it’s a genuine question. My uncle is undeniably a good man.
He’s a devoted family man, still happily married to his high school sweetheart, and deeply loves his four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was a loving son to his parents and is cherished by his siblings, nieces, and nephews. Over the years, he and his wife have opened their home to many children and young people, always ready to help their family, friends, or community.
Throughout his life, he worked hard, using his hands to work the land and master machinery and his strong shoulders and muscles to tackle any task. He’s been a volunteer firefighter and church pillar in his community.
Yes, he’s a good man, but his life hasn’t been without its challenges. So, I couldn’t help but wonder why another burden had to be added to his already heavy load.
Some may say that God sends trials to test us, and there might be truth. Challenges often reveal our hidden strengths. But I didn’t think this applied to my uncle. He’s faced many challenges; I believe he knows his strengths well.
However, loss can make us appreciate what we have and may have taken for granted. My uncle has had a tough life, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. I don’t think there’s much he wishes for or envies in others. While his siblings might have more money and professional success, I’m confident Carl wouldn’t trade his wife and family for that wealth. I even suspect that if he had more money, he’d spend it on his loved ones.
He’s deeply loved by many people, not just his family but also those whose lives he’s touched. Prayers for him are coming from all over the country. I believe he wouldn’t trade that love and the respect he’s earned for all the professional success his siblings have achieved.
When you step back and truly look at the man he is, you don’t even notice the missing hand. He’s much more than the sum of his parts, and what stands out most is the size of his heart.
It’s worth noting that his right hand, which he’s used countless times to offer love, friendship, and help to others, was preserved.
